Stylalgia: an Indian perspective.

OBJECTIVE

The main objective was to study the stylalgia profile in Indians and the outcome of styloidectomy in such cases.

DESIGN

This prospective study was carried out by random selection of patients with stylalgia using periodic random numbers.

SETTING

This was a hospital-based study.

METHODS

Surgical excision of the symptomatic enlarged styloid process was performed by the transtonsillar route using a dilation and curettage (D and C) curette.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The patients were followed postoperatively for their pain relief.

RESULTS

Of 40 patients operated on, 31 (77.5%) became symptom free, 5 (12.5%) had considerable improvement in their symptoms, and 4 (10%) had no relief.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of an enlarged styloid process was found to be higher in an Indian rural population with female preponderance owing to their carrying of heavy weight on head. Styloidectomy was very rewarding. The D and C curette was found to be a very effective instrument for styloidectomy.