Surgical Treatment of Elongated Styloid Process: Experience of 61 Cases

ABSTRACT Aim: To describe the management of patients with elongated styloid process syndrome (Eagle's syndrome). Materials and Methods: Sixty-one patients with elongated styloid process were treated between 2000 and 2005. Computed tomography examination defines those whose symptoms suggest the diagnosis. Patients with styloid processes longer than 25 mm were treated by surgical resection. Results: Fifty-seven (93.4%) of 61 patients treated for Eagle's syndrome became asymptomatic after resection. There were no serious complications. Conclusion: Patients with clinically and radiologically established elongated styloid process can be managed successfully by surgical resection using an external approach.