Elongation Pattern of Styloid Process in Saudi Population: A Factor to Remember in the Prevention of Eagle Syndrome

Background: The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of styloid process patterns in Saudi population. Methods: This retrospective, cross-sectional study included 2010 digital panoramic radiographs selected randomly for adult patients who visited five major hospitals in the Qassim region, Saudi Arabia, PRs were examined to detect any styloid process elongation. Data were collected and analyzed using SPSS v20. Results: In this study, Positive SP elongation was seen in 25.4% of the Total cases, 14.2% and 11.2% male and female respectively. The mean age was 34.3 ± 13.9 years. Type I showed in 19.1%. Type II was seen in 1.7%. While type III came with 4.6% of the cases. Normal SP was seen in 74.7%. Patients between 30-50 years significantly more affected with type I pattern. Normal SP was reported mostly in the youngest age group 18-24 years with 31% of total cases. Conclusion: Styloid process has many patterns and variations that could be detected on digital panoramic radiographs taken daily in most of dental clinics. Dentists should be trained to detect patients with such variation so that signs associated with Eagle syndrome are not misinterpreted.