Eagle Syndrome: a Follow-Up Examination of Four Patients After Surgical Treatment Via Cervical Approach.

Objective: Eagle syndrome is a rare pain syndrome caused by an elongated styloid apophysis or an ossified styloid ligament. It is characterized by a complex range of symptoms in head and neck region. The most effective treatment is surgical shortening of the styloid apophysis. The authors report of a follow-up examination of 4 patients after surgical treatment via cervical approach. Methods: Retrospectively reviewed hospital records of 5 patients (4 females and 1 male), aged from 26 to 59 years old (mean age = 45.5 years) who underwent surgical shortening of the styloid process via cervical approach. Further, a paper-based survey of 4 patients was conducted, including a clinical questionnaire and 4 visual analogue scales, consisting of questions regarding postoperative pain. Results: Period of follow-up ranged from 16 to 79 months (mean 53.75 months). All patients were asymptomatic at follow-up. None of the patients reported a visible scar or hypoesthesia in the affected area. The patients demonstrated low mean visual analogue scales for each item (facial pain: 0.6 +/- 1.2, foreign body sensation: 0.725 +/- 1.45, pain of throat and neck 1.35 +/- 1.58 and limitation of dietary habits: 0.75 +/- 1.5). None of the patients reported a resurgence of pain in the head and neck region so far. Conclusions: Surgical treatment via cervical approach appears to be an effective and safe option with low morbidity and mortality in the treatment of symptomatic Eagle syndrome of adults. (C) 2017 by Mutaz B. Habal, MD.

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