Clinical significance and variation of the advanced calcified stylohyoid complex detected by panoramic radiographs among 80-year-old subjects

Objectives: To evaluate the clinical significance and variation of an elongated styloid process associated with advanced calcification as detected on panoramic radiographs among 80-year-old subjects. Methods: Panoramic radiographs of 659 patients (262 men and 397 women) and data of their general and dental health conditions were used for the evaluation of the relationship between an elongated styloid process and general health among 80-year-olds. This study was part of the 8020 Data Bank Survey, which was designed to collect the baseline data of general and dental health conditions in 80-year-old subjects. The morphology of the styloid process was allocated to one of 12 patterns according to Jung et al. The lengths of the styloid processes were measured directly on the radiographs from the caudal margin of the tympanic plate to the tip of the styloid process. Results: All of the styloid processes from the 659 panoramic radiographs could be allocated to one of 12 morphological patterns and some of their radiographic findings suggested calcification of the carotid artery and lymph nodes. In 80-years-old subjects, the average length of the styloid process was 36.7mm, and ranged from 13.0mm to 153.0mm. There appeared to be correlations between the length of the styloid process, and serum calcium concentration and heel bone density, but not with the Community Periodontal Index (CPI). Conclusions: Dentists should recognize the existence of morphological variation in the styloid process, especially in its length, apparent on panoramic radiographs of 80-year-old patients. In addition, the longer length of the styloid process in 80-year-old patients may be a predictor of bone density and high serum calcium concentration level. The findings from the present study may provide potentially life-saving information about elderly people