Transcervical resection of the styloid process in Eagle syndrome.

We conducted a retrospective study to determine the treatment outcomes of 6 patients who had either unilateral or bilateral elongated styloid processes and symptoms consistent with Eagle syndrome. Five of these patients had undergone transcervical resection of the styloid process, with relief of symptoms over the follow-up period (mean: 8 mo). Two of the 5 patients experienced a transient weakness in the marginal mandibular nerve, and both recovered completely. The transcervical surgical approach to resection in patients with elongated styloid processes and Eagle syndrome appears to be safe and effective, although the risk for transient marginal mandibular nerve weakness is notable.