Investigation of the styloid process length in a Greek population

Background: The styloid process (SP) is a slender cylindrical bony projection of the temporal bone with 2 ligaments and 3 muscles attached to it. Symptomatic SP elongation is also referred to, as Eagle’s syndrome. The aim of the present study is to investigate the distribution of the SP length in a young adult Greek population.  Materials and methods: Moreover, we provide a comparison of the results by using two different methods for assessing SP elongation, as described in the lite- rature. Finally, we explore the possibility of using orthopantomograms (OPGs), as a diagnostic aid by investigating inter-examiner, intra-examiner and inter-exami- nation variability and we propose a limit for SP elongation measurable in OPGs.  Results: The sample comprised 805 digital OPGs, taken from student pilots and engineers entering the Hellenic Air Force Academy, from 2008 onwards. Two measuring approaches were selected, one using the temporal bone, as a cranial landmark and the other, using the external auditory meatus. The end tip of the process was always the caudal landmark. The mean SP length was 28.42 ± ± 8.48 mm in males and 26.04 ± 7.69 mm in females, when measured from the temporal bone. The mean SP length was 38.35 ± 8.90 mm in males and 34.24 ± ± 8.63 mm in females, when measured from the external auditory meatus. The length of 30 mm is most commonly used as a starting point for SP elongation. In the total sample, 30.6% of the measured SPs exceeded the length of 30 mm. In males, 33.12% of the SPs were elongated; while in females the corresponding incidence was 20%. One hundred and nineteen (14.8%) SPs were not traceable.  Conclusions: The SP is typically detectable and measurable in OPGs. An elonga- ted SP should be kept in mind, since symptoms of elongation may overlap with clinical manifestations of temporomandibular joint disorders.

Investigation of the styloid process length in a Greek population

Background: The styloid process (SP) is a slender cylindrical bony projection of the temporal bone with 2 ligaments and 3 muscles attached to it. Symptomatic SP elongation is also referred to, as Eagle’s syndrome. The aim of the present study is to investigate the distribution of the SP length in a young adult Greek population. Materials and methods: Moreover, we provide a comparison of the results by using two different methods for assessing SP elongation, as described in the literature. Finally, we explore the possibility of using orthopantomograms (OPGs), as a diagnostic aid by investigating inter-examiner, intra-examiner and inter-examination variability and we propose a limit for SP elongation measurable in OPGs. Results: The sample comprised 805 digital OPGs, taken from student pilots and engineers entering the Hellenic Air Force Academy, from 2008 onwards. Two measuring approaches were selected, one using the temporal bone, as a cranial landmark and the other, using the external auditory meatus. The end tip of the process was always the caudal landmark. The mean SP length was 28.42 ± ± 8.48 mm in males and 26.04 ± 7.69 mm in females, when measured from the temporal bone. The mean SP length was 38.35 ± 8.90 mm in males and 34.24 ± ± 8.63 mm in females, when measured from the external auditory meatus. The length of 30 mm is most commonly used as a starting point for SP elongation. In the total sample, 30.6% of the measured SPs exceeded the length of 30 mm. In males, 33.12% of the SPs were elongated; while in females the corresponding incidence was 20%. One hundred and nineteen (14.8%) SPs were not traceable. Conclusions: The SP is typically detectable and measurable in OPGs. An elongated SP should be kept in mind, since symptoms of elongation may overlap with clinical manifestations of temporomandibular joint disorders. Copyright © 2019 Via Medic

Magnetic resonance imaging of temporomandibular joint with anterior disk dislocation without reposition - long-term results

Objectives Anterior disk dislocation (ADD) without reposition in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) may be associated with morphological changes in the retrodiscal region of the bilaminar zone presenting as pseudo-disk (PD). The present study was initiated to investigate the development of retrodiscal fibrosis in a period of 48 years and to assess if patients with a PD show differences in the clinical and radiologic findings versus patients without a PD. Materials and Methods In a retrospective follow-up study of 33 consecutive patients with ADD without reposition in one or both TMJs, a clinical and MRI-supported evaluation was conducted 4 to 8 years after baseline diagnosis. Results In 45 % of the TMJs with ADD without reposition, a PD could be identified. Twenty-one of 31 patients who showed pain at the baseline examination (VAS mean 56 38) were pain free. The mouth opening capacity (MO) of the mandible could be increased in 80 %. There were no statistical significant differences between patients with or without PD in these clinical features. The MRI parameters effusion and translation showed a statistical tendency for more improvement in the group with PD (p = 0.061, 0.064). Conclusion In about half of the patients, a structure corresponding to a pseudo-disk developed during follow-up. Pain and the mouth opening capacity improved in all patients independent of the development of a PD. Clinical Relevance Detection of a PD during follow-up of patients with ADD without spontaneous reposition does neither predict favorable nor worse therapy response and clinical course.(VLID)349719