A cross-sectional analysis of digital panoramic radiographs for the evaluation of elongated styloid process in central Kerala population

This study aims to investigate the prevalence, morphology and elongation pattern of elongated styloid process in the population of Central Kerala and its relation to age and gender. ` 500 digital panoramic radiographs were collected from the archives of Department of Oral Medicine & Radiology, Mar Baselios Dental College taken during 2017-2020. Only those radiographs of patients within age group of 20-60 years and showed styloid processes of both sides with no pathologies in the required structures were included in the study. Radiographs with magnification and positioning errors were excluded. The collected data was entered in an Excel spreadsheet and analyzed using statistical analysis software-SPSS 16.0. The data was analyzed using chi square test and one way ANOVA. The average length of right and left styloid processes were 25.61±6.25mm & 25.88±6.67 mm respectively. The study showed that there is a progression in the length of right styloid process with advancing age. In this study females had a longer styloid process compared to males. A predominance of type I elongation is seen in both right and left sides.: The best protection is early detection. Presence of elongated styloid process is an incidental radiographic finding. However adequate and prompt diagnosis can lead to elimination of associated complications. This study focuses on detection of elongated styloid processes and comparison of length and identification of elongation patterns among right and left sides. These parameters and patterns may help the clinicians to distinguish between normal and elongated styloid processes.