XXXX : a new diagnostic classification.

@entity2701 @entity1 @entity7319 @entity158
OBJECTIVE: To describe stylohyoid complex syndrome (SHCS) as a new diagnostic classification of all lateral neck and/or @entity158 conditions resulting from an elongated styloid process, ossified stylohyoid ligament, or elongated hyoid bone. All of these pathologic conditions result in @entity2701 and reduced distensibility of the stylohyoid complex (SHC), with resultant irritation of the surrounding cervical structures with movement of the complex. DESIGN: A retrospective medical chart review was performed to identify a cohort of @entity1 who underwent surgical intervention for lateral neck and/or @entity158 due to pathologic SHCS. Follow-up time of greater than 1 year is reported in 5 of 7 @entity1 . SETTING: Tertiary, academic referral center. @entity1 : @entity1 included were those given a diagnosis of SHCS who underwent surgical intervention from June 2006 through September 2009. There were 7 @entity1 , 5 of whom were female. The age range was 38 to 53 years at time of presentation (mean age, 45.3 years). Common presenting complaints were lateral neck and @entity158 exacerbated by tongue and head movements. INTERVENTION: The pathologic areas were surgically addressed through transoral or cervical approaches. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Symptoms following surgical intervention. RESULTS: Seven @entity1 (8 sides) were identified as having SHCS. Computed tomographic findings included elongated styloid processes (3 sides), ossified stylohyoid ligaments (2 sides), and elongated hyoid bones (3 sides). Computed tomographic scan, frequently with volume-rendered 3-dimensional reconstructions, identified the pathologic condition. All @entity1 experienced clinically significant relief of presenting symptoms following surgical intervention. CONCLUSIONS: @entity7319 includes all lateral neck and/or @entity158 conditions resulting from an elongated styloid process, ossified stylohyoid ligament, or elongated hyoid bone. Surgical intervention directed at any pathologic point to disrupt this complex relieves @entity2701 and offers @entity1 relief of symptoms.
