Ossified Stylohyoid Ligament

Definition: Ossification of the stylohyoid ligament.

Radiographic Features:

Location: Lateral of the ramus on a pantomograph.  Sometimes it may be superimposed over the distal aspect of the ramus.

Edge: Well-defined.

Shape: Linear

Internal: Radiopaque.

Other: There are multiple ossification centers from which the ligament begins ossification.  The areas where opposing ligament ossifications meet will have a  ‘joint-like’ appearance of two bones articulating.

Number: Maybe unilateral or bilateral.

TIP: When a patient presents with ossification and PAIN when rotating the head, Eagle’s syndrome must be considered.  If a patient has ossified stylohyoid ligament/s but no pain, it is not Eagle’s syndrome.

Ossified stylohyoid ligament

(bilateral with arrow)

Ossified stylohyoid ligament

(bilateral without arrow)

Ossified stylohyoid ligament – Left

Ossified stylohyoid ligament

(note the ‘joint-like’ appearance on both sides where the two ossification segments meet)


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