Role of three-dimensional computed tomography reconstruction in the management of elongated styloid process: a preliminary study

Elongated styloid process is a relatively common cause of facial and neck pain, but it is often misdiagnosed due to its varied clinical presentation. Since an elongated styloid process is often confirmed by radiological means, it would be helpful to find a more accurate mode of depicting the styloid process. In this prospective study, 39 cases were evaluated. A three-dimensional computed tomography (31 CT) reconstruction of the styloid process was performed in 18 cases. In these patients, we compared the length and medial angulation of the symptomatic styloid process as viewed on an orthopantomogram and a 3D CT reconstruction. It was noted that a 3D CT reconstruction was more accurate in depicting the styloid process. This investigation can be considered as the 'gold standard' in the radiological diagnosis of an elongated styloid process.