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Stylohyoid ligament ossification

Case contributed by Matt Skalski
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Radicular pain down the left arm to the thumb.

Patient Data

Age: 45 years
Gender: Male
x-ray

There is prolific ossification of the styloidhyoid ligaments, worse on the right. A focally thickened area within this ossifcation is observed on the right as well, where the end of the normal styloid would be expected. A nuchal ossification is also noted in addition to the mild degenerative changes. 

x-ray

The ossified stylohyoid ligaments are outlined. 

Case Discussion

There is prolific ossification of the stylohyoid ligaments, worse on the right. A focally thickened area within this ossification is also observed on the right, presumably due to ongoing motion at the normal styloid/ligament junction. When prolific ossification of the stylohyoid ligaments is observed, it should prompt the observer to inquire about possible clinical symptoms related to Eagle syndrome

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