Abstract

Purpose: to develop and improve the available, most effective and safe methods of diagnosis of stylohyoid syndrome, differential diagnosis, in this case with pathology of the temporomandibular joint, therapy of patients with stylohyoid syndrome and its combination with other diseases, taking into account the possible influence of elongated styloid process of the temporal bone on the surrounding structures.

Materials and methods: 230 patients were examined and treated. To evaluate the quality of conservative therapy, we used a scale of reduction of symptoms in points from 5 to 0. Patients themselves determined the achievement of the effect of therapy by choosing a certain score. That is, 5 – lack of effect, and soon according to the degree of reduction of symptoms to 0 – complete absence of symptoms.

Results: Out of 230 patients, 106 people (46) assessed the success of treatment as 0 points (absence of complaints), 70 people (30.4) had 1 point, 38 people (16.5%) had 2-3 points (16.5%), 4-5 points – 16 patients (7.0%), i.e. no significant treatment effect was achieved. All those whose treatment results were rated at 4-5 points were offered a surgical method of treatment – resection of the styloid process on the corresponding side.

With blockade in the region of the apex of the styloid process, the symptoms characteristic of the stylohyoid syndrome either disappear or are significantly reduced. In the absence of an effect from the blockade in the area of ​​the styloid process, or with a slight effect, we applied blockade in the area of ​​the temporomandibular joint. When the symptoms disappear or are significantly reduced, it is believed that the cause of the patients’ suffering is the pathology of the temporomandibular joint.

During our research, there were cases when blockade in the area of ​​the styloid process and in the area of ​​the joint of the lower jaw resulted in a notice able reduction in pain sensations in the patient. In these cases, a combination of the described two pathologies was observed. After consultation with the dentist, this patient underwent resection of the styloid process on the corresponding side. Later, these patients continued treatment at the dentist.

Conclusions:

To determine the prevailing symptomatology of the stylohyoid syndrome and pathology of the temporomandibular joint, which have similar symptoms, the true interpretation of CT data and the reduction of pain symptoms when performing blockages into the area of ​​the styloid process of the temporal bone and blockages in the area of temporomandibular joint have a great importance.

The choice of conservative and surgical treatment methods depends on the prevailing symptoms of a disease for each patient individually.

Keywords: elongation of the styloid process, vascular-nerve bundle, sore throat, pathophysiological mechanisms of pain, temporomandibular joint.