BILATERAL OSSIFICATION OF THE STYLOHYOID LIGAMENT

The stylohyoid ligament extends from the styloid process of the temporal bone to the lesser horn of the styloid bone. Various forms of ossification of this anatomical structure have been described in the literature. In our case, there was bilateral ossification of the stylohyoid ligament, a very rare occurrence. Ossification was partial on the right, and complete on the left side. The right stylohyoid ligament was only loosely attached to the styloid process, followed by a larger, ossified part of the attachment, finally attaching to the lesser horn of the hyoid bone in the form of a connective tissue bond. On the left, styloid process was present with its base and completely ossified stylohyoid ligament all the way to the lesser horn of the hyoid bone.