Morphometric study of styloid process of temporal bone in Indian adult dry skull.

ABSTRACT

Background: Styloid Process (SP) of temporal bone is a spike like process which is usually straight but it can show curvature and concavity. Many important neurovascular structures are adjacent to it. These structures may be compressed due to morphological variations of styloid process when SP abnormally elongated it may pose threat to anesthetist while performing intubation. Methods: Study was carried out on 70 (50 males, 20 females) adult dry skulls. All measurements such as length, direction, thickness at base of styloid process, distance between of two processes, and distance between it and stylomastoid foramen were taken with the help of vernier caliper in millimeters. Results: We found mean length of styloid process in males on right side 17.8 mm and on left 15.4 mm. In females, it was 13 mm on right and 16.8 mm on left side. Average distance between of two styloid processes at base was 68.13 mm in males and 67.42 mm in females. Thickness at the base of styloid process, in males on right 4.53 mm and on left side it was 4.83 mm while in females on right 4.33 mm and on left side it was 5 mm. Conclusions: Neurovascular structures which lie within the territory of styloid process may be compressed due to its anatomical variation. This data may be useful for clinicians, surgeons, radiologists, anesthetists and anatomists as an academic interest.