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Contributors: Raj Dedhia, M.D
Eagle’s Syndrome, also known as Styloid Syndrome, is defined by the presence of an elongated, misshapen, or calcified stylohyoid ligament. It is characterized by pain localized to either side of the throat, odynophagia, and referred otalgia. Transoral removal of the stylohyoid ligament consists of transecting the stylohyoid ligament to release tension and result in improvement of pain.
DOI #: https://doi.org/10.17797/o3iz10qacz
o Ipsilateral tonsillectomy should be performed prior to surgery
o Tonsillar fossa mucosa is incised to reveal the superior constrictor muscles
o Superior constrictor muscles are incised to access the stylohyoid ligament
o Stylohyoid ligament is skeletonized with a Curved Allis and a periosteal elevator
o Surrounding parapharyngeal is retracted to prevent injury
o Kerrison rongeur is used to transect the styloid process superiorly
o Remaining in vivo portion is smoothed with rasp
o Superior constrictor muscle is reapproximated with absorbable suture
o Elongated (>30mm), misshapen, or calcified stylohyoid ligament with associated symptoms
o Mechanical trismus (<30mm) o Coagulopathy
3-0 Vicryl Suture
Colorado Bovie
Curved Allis
Hockey-stick Periosteal Elevator
Kerrison Rongeur
Rasp
Yankauer Suction
Tools necessary include Colorado bovie, curved Allis, periosteal elevator, Yankauer suction, Kerrison rongeur, rasp, and 3-0 Vicryl sutures.
o Panorex film can provide view of elongated stylohyoid ligament with or without calcification
o CT neck without contrast can be used for both confirmation of diagnosis and view of patient anatomy
o Tonsillar fossa
o Superior Constrictor Muscles
o Stylohyoid ligament
o Injury to carotid artery
o Injury to glossopharyngeal nerve
o Injury to carotid artery
o Injury to glossopharyngeal nerve
1. Myers, E. 2009. Operative Otolaryngology: Head and Neck Surgery. Chapter 25, Transoral Removal of Elongated Styloid Process.
2. Colby CC, Del Gaudio JM. Stylohyoid complex syndrome: a new diagnostic classification. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2011;137:248�¢ï¿½ï¿½252.
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