Elongated Styloid Process Evaluation Using Panoramic Radiography in Patients With Oral Submucous Fibrosis: A Retrospective Study

TL;DR

This study found that over half of patients with oral submucous fibrosis had an elongated styloid process, with type I being the most common and bilateral cases more frequent.

Contribution

The study provides new insights into the prevalence and distribution of elongated styloid processes in oral submucous fibrosis patients.

Findings

53.6% of OSMF patients had an elongated styloid process (ESP).

Type I ESP was the most common, occurring bilaterally in 52.2% of cases.

Left-side unilateral ESP was slightly more frequent than right-side.

Abstract

Background

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a chronic condition primarily affecting the buccal mucosa, characterized by fibrotic changes, scarring, and precancerous lesions. Pathologically, it involves inflammation, collagen deposition, and muscular degeneration.

Objective

This study aimed to assess the prevalence and distribution of elongated styloid process (ESP) in patients diagnosed with OSMF, contributing to the understanding of anatomical variations in this population.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted at the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology of Saveetha Dental College. We collected records of OSMF patients from 2021 to 2023, which included panoramic radiographs. We evaluated the presence, type, and grading of ESP alongside OSMF grades using standardized classifications.

Results

Out of 125 OSMF patients, 67 (53.6%) had ESP. Type I ESP was most prevalent (83.58%). Bilateral occurrences were more common (52.2%) than unilateral (41.79%). On both sides, type I ESP predominated significantly. Among unilateral cases, left-side occurrences were slightly more frequent. Type I ESP remained predominant regardless of laterality.

Conclusion

The study highlights the high prevalence of ESP, predominantly type I, in OSMF patients, with bilateral occurrences more common. These findings provide valuable insights into the anatomical variations associated with OSMF, contributing to clinical understanding and potential future research directions.

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