Elongated styloid process: planning the surgical approach using a three-dimensional jaw bone model

Abstract

An elongated styloid process occurs due to elongation of the styloid process, which then may produce a pain sensation due to the pressure exerted on various structures in the head and neck. In this report, we discuss one case of an elongated styloid process in which the surgical procedure was planned using a three-dimensional jaw bone model. The patient was a 38-year-old woman with a one-year history of pain in the left lower jaw and left ear tinnitus and fullness. 3D-CT images showed an overgrowth of the left styloid process of 42mm. Based on the CT data, we created a three-dimensional jaw bone model in which the temporomandibular joint could move, and confirmed whether the transoral approach was possible. We confirmed that the operative field could be sufficiently secured and that a sufficient length of left styloid process could be safely resected, and the oral method was selected. The symptoms of this patient disappeared immediately after the operation. We suggest that planning the surgical procedure using a three-dimensional jaw bone model is useful for an elongated styloid process.