Resumo

GUIMARAES, Andréa Godinho Pinto et al. Prevalence of elongated styloid process and/or ossified stylohyoid ligament in panoramic radiographs. RGO, Rev. gaúch. odontol. (Online) [online]. 2010, vol.58, n.4, pp. 481-485. ISSN 1981-8637.

OBJECTIVE: Access the prevalence of elongated styloid process and/or ossified stylohyoid ligament in 2.600 panoramic radiographs. METHODS: A total of 2600 radiographs were examined by the same examiner. Images where the styloid process of the temporal bone extended beyond the lower edge of the cartilage of the ear lobe by more than 1 cm (measured on the panoramic radiograph) and those where the stylohyoid ligament was radiopaque were counted. RESULTS: One hundred forty-six (5.61%) radiographs presented the abovementioned characteristics. The results showed that elongation of the styloid process and/or stylohyoid ligament ossification were not uncommon events. These changes were more common in females (63%) and were usually bilateral (84%). They were also more common in the 11-40 years age range. CONCLUSION: Prolongation of the styloid process and/or ossification of the stylohyoid ligament were significantly more common in females. The rates at which the sides were affected were also statistically different.

Palavras-chave : Hyoide bone; Prevalence; Radiography panoramic.