Evaluation of styloid process by 3-dimensional computed tomography in Iraqi samples

الملخص EN

Background : The aims of this study were to measure the length and the anterior angulations of the styloid process (SP) and to study its morphology by 3–dimensional computed tomography reconstruction (3D –CT).

Materials and Methods : 3D-CT scan were performed for 90 Iraqi patients (38 females and 52 males), age range (17- 91 years).The length and anterior angulations of SP were measured and its morphology was evaluated on3D reconstructed images which were obtained from those patients.

Results : The length of the bony SP on both sides varied from 0.9 cm to 6.2 cm, SPs were longer in males than females and the right SPs were longer than the left SPs.

The anterior angulations ranged between 57°-96°, According to the morphological evaluation, absence of the SPs was not seen in this study.

The total percentage of fragmented SPs was less in males than females for both sides and the total percentage of the fragmented SPs in males and females for both sides were less than the total percentage of non –fragmented SPs.

The total percentage of regular SPs in male on the right side was more than that in female group while the total percentage of regular SPs in male on the left side was less than that in female group.

Conclusion : 3D-images reconstruction obtained with CT were a reliable method in obtaining abases line data for evaluation of the SP, including its length, angulations, and the anatomical variations.