Radiological evaluation of the styloid process length in the normal population

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the styloid process (SP) length in the normal population using multidetector computed tomography (MDCT).

Materials and methods: In this study, 160 patients who underwent paranasal MDCT between January 2012 and December 2012 were retrospectively evaluated. The patients were divided into groups according to their age and gender: Group 1 age 31–40 years old, 111 subjects; Group 2 age 41–50 years old, 49 subjects; Group A 98 males; Group B 62 females. The mean SP length was calculated from the mean of 2 measurements. SPs were assessed for their average lengths in different gender and age groups. Student’s t-test was used for the comparison of the mean SP lengths between the groups. Differences were considered to be statistically significant at p < 0.05.

Results: The mean SP length on both sides varied from 18 to 51 mm (28.4 ± 5.5) in all the patients. The mean SP length was 27.2 ± 5.2 mm in females and 29.2 ± 5.6 mm in males. There was a statistically significant difference between the mean SP lengths in terms of gender (p < 0.028). The mean SP length was 28.5 ± 5.7 mm in Group 1 and 28.2 ± 5.1 mm in Group 2. There was no statistically significant difference between the mean SP lengths in terms of age (p > 0.718).

Conclusions: In conclusion, there is still no consensus on the normal values of SP length. Normal values should be determined according to the geographical regions and ethnic groups for the diagnosis of Eagle’s syndrome.