Pathophysiological mechanisms, diagnosis and treatment of the fractures of the temporal bone styloid process: case report

Abstract

The styloid process is a needle-like osseous projection beneath the temporal bone, typically measuring 2.5-3 cm. Its fracture is uncommon and mostly occurs in elongated processes, often due to trauma, dental procedures, or sports. This paper presents an unusual case of a normallength styloid process fracture in a 24-year-old serviceman, resulting from a mine explosion. The patient complained of intense headaches, and pain during yawning, swallowing, and head rotation. Examination revealed pain in the left pterygopalatine fossa, and decreased pharyngeal reflex on the left, and a CT scan showed brain contusion, subarachnoid haemorrhage and a linear fracture in the normal-sized left styloid process, with no displacement. Treatment with anti-inflammatory drugs and muscle relaxants led to symptoms improvement, and no fragment dislocation was observed in a follow-up CT. This report contributes to understanding the diagnosis of normal-length styloid process fractures, contrasting with the more reported elongated ones.