Surgical Management of Long-standing Eagle's Syndrome

INTRODUCTION: Eagle's syndrome is a rare condition that refers to chronic recurrent pain in the oropharynx, face, and neck due to elongation of the styloid process or calcification of the stylohyoid ligament. It can be treated medically or surgically through a styloidectomy. In this paper, we review our experience with the two surgical approaches for the management of Eagle's syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective chart review, which covered the period between 1997 and 2008. The review included seven patients with a long-standing diagnosis of Eagle's syndrome. Six patients underwent surgical intervention and one patient elected to observe her condition. ETHICS APPROVAL: The retrospective design of the study was approved by Boston Medical Center Institutional Review Board with no need for another consent other than the one obtained before surgical interventions. RESULTS: Out of the seven patients identified, there were three men and four women. The median age and mean age at diagnosis were 44 years and 26.2 years, respectively. Neck pain and odynophagia were the most common symptoms reported. Three patients underwent styloidectomy through transoral approach and the three through transcervical approach. The average time to resolution of symptoms was 26.5 days. CONCLUSION: The review suggests a favorable role for surgery in the management of Eagle's syndrome with all the patients undergoing styloidectomy experiencing complete resolution of symptoms. Both surgical approaches provide the desired outcome; however, the choice of the surgical approach depends on the patient's wishes and the surgeon's experience.