Morphometric Analysis of Styloid Process Using Multidetector Computed Tomography

Styloid process (SP) is a cylindrical anatomical structure located at the anterior side of stylomastoid foramen. Normally, it is 20 to 25 mm in length and can vary with age and sex. An elongated SP is an unusual source of craniofacial and cervical pain. In this study, the clinical role of morphometric data of SP was discussed. In this study, 64-slice multidetector computed tomography images (Somatom Sensation 64, Siemens, Germany) from Radiology Department's archive of Necmettin Erbakan University were used. The examined images were collected from 100 patients (31 female and 69 male). Length of SP (SPL), SP width (SPW), distance between SP rooths (DBR), SP's angulation, and the distance between SP and internal carotid artery (SP-ICA) were measured. Statistical differences were found regarding to the data of SPL, SPW, DBR, and SP-ICA left between sexes. No statistical significance was detected between right and left side SPL (paired t test; P = 0.989, P > 0.05). SP was observed as mostly type A1 (right %55, left %52). These parameters were also compared with those of previous studies. The present study showed side and sex differences and types of SP. We believe that it was necessary to determine the normal range of values for different populations, and this knowledge will provide guidance to surgeons in the examination of this area.