Tuğçe Taşkındere Abbasoğlu, Rahşan Göçmen, Ayşegül Fırat
Abstract Objective This study aimed to evaluate the anatomical variants of the stylohyoid chain complex. Methods Multi-detector computed tomography angiography scans of 406 individuals (812 heminecks) were retrospectively evaluated. Results Hemineck analysis revealed an elongated styloid process in 10.1 per cent and an aberrant hyoid apparatus in 4.6 per cent. A combination of elongated styloid process and aberrant hyoid apparatus was seen in 1 per cent of individuals. The 60-year or older group had significantly longer elongated styloid process lengths (3.82 ± 0.45 cm) compared to the less than 24-year group (3.50 ± 0.27 cm) and the 25- to 59-year group adults (3.56 ± 0.35 cm) ( p < 0.001). Elongated styloid process was significantly more common in greater than or equal to 60-year group compared to the less than 24-year group and the 25- to 59-year group adults, while aberrant hyoid apparatus showed no age-related differences. No gender differences were observed for either elongated styloid process or aberrant hyoid apparatus . Conclusion Elongated styloid process may be associated with degenerative post-natal ossification processes, whereas aberrant hyoid apparatus could be related to persistent embryological remnants of the second pharyngeal arch.