Styloid-stylohyoid syndrome with fibrous adhesions to the hyoid bone: A case report.

Abstract

Styloid-stylohyoid syndrome is characterized by discomfort and pain in the pharynx and larynx due to an overly long (≧30 mm) styloid process. Fibrous adhesions between the styloid process and the hyoid bone have been reported in styloid-stylohyoid syndrome, which is extremely rare. Here, we report a case of a 33-year-old woman with no relevant medical history who in January 2022, reported experiencing left submandibular pain and was referred to our hospital. Computed tomography scans (CT) revealed overlong bilateral overlong styloid processes near the hyoid bone (length, approximately 75 mm bilaterally), and she was diagnosed with styloid-stylohyoid syndrome. Bilateral styloidectomy was performed under general anesthesia. The styloid process and hyoid bone on the left side were attached to fibrous connective tissues. The nodule had a pseudo-articular structure. Histopathologically, a transition from bone to cartilage was observed. Eight months postoperatively, the patient was symptom-free.