Eagle's syndrome: A report of 4 patients treated using a modified extraoral approach

Purpose: This study evaluated a slightly modified extraoral approach to removing the symptomatic elongated styloid process. A brief description of this surgical technique and its comparison to the intraoral approach is provided. Patients and Methods: Four patients in whom an extraoral approach was used to expose and remove the elongated calcified stylohyoid complex were evaluated. Five sides were treated and reviewed individually. All patients were interviewed preoperatively and postoperatively, and their records were thoroughly examined. Patients were objectively evaluated for pain, function, sensory and motor nerve deficits, and aesthetics. Results: Follow-up time ranged from 6 to 39 months with an average of 21 months. Improvement in the original symptoms was reported for 4 of the 5 operated sides. Three of 5 procedures resulted in more than an 80% reduction in pain and improvement in function. All patients had a satisfactory cosmetic result and no paresthesia. Conclusions: The advantages of the extraoral approach are reflected in this small retrospective study by the absence of perioperative complications and the minimal blood loss, surgical morbidity, and hospital stay. (C) 2001 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.