Objectives: The aim of the present study was to assess the role of CBCT in the assessment of the length, angulations, and different morphologic variations of the stylohyoid complex (SHC).
Methods: CBCT scans of 112 subjects (41 males, 71 females, age range 5-52 years old) were included in the study. SHC was evaluated bilaterally. Length, anteroposterior angulation (APA), mediolateral angulation (MLA), morphologic and calcification patterns were evaluated. 25th -75th percentiles were calculated to detect the normal length and angulation ranges.
Results: The normal range of the SHC length was 25.5-33.6 mm. SHC elongation was found in 32 cases (28.6%). APA and MLA normal ranges were (24.9o-34.2o and 66.6o-72.8o respectively). Males showed higher mean values than females regarding the SHC length and angulations with statistically significant difference in APA and MLA between both sexes. New morphologic pattern was detected in (2.7%) of cases. Normal length (Patterns A, B, C, D) was found in (74.65%) of the bilaterally evaluated SHC. Among the elongation cases, calcified SHC (Patterns F-K and the new pattern) was the most prevalent (17.8%). Absent SP was observed in (0.45%). The most prevalent calcification pattern was type B.
Conclusion: CBCT revealed a new SHC morphologic pattern that may contribute to the proposed classification in literature. CBCT is a valuable imaging modality for accurate identification and analysis of the SHC in terms of length, angulations, and anatomic discrepancy.