Journal of Otolaryngology and Ophthalmology of Shandong University ›› 2026, Vol. 40 ›› Issue (1): 1-5.doi: 10.6040/j.issn.1673-3770.0.2024.459

• Original Article •     Next Articles

Retroauricular auricular sulcus approach to styloid process surgery for the treatment of Eagle's syndrome

GAO Hang1, XU Yalin1, WANG Dongqing2, LIN Liqiang2, CHEN Zhipeng2, LYU Huaiqing2   

  1. 1. School of Clinical Medicine, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang 261053, Shandong, China2. Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi 276003, Shandong, China
  • Online:2026-01-20 Published:2026-02-13

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Abstract: Objective This study aims to assess the feasibility of the styloid process via retroauricular sulcus approach in patients diagnosed with Eagle's syndrome. Methods Sixty patients diagnosed with Eagle's syndrome at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Linyi People's Hospital, between January 1, 2018, and May 15, 2024, were enrolled and randomly assigned to either the experimental group(Group A, n=30)or the control group(Group B, n=30). Group A underwent styloid process resection via a retroauricular sulcus approach, while Group B received transoral tonsillectomy combined with styloid process resection. Outcome measures included operative time, length of styloid resection, Visual Analogue Scale(VAS)pain scores, swallowing function scores, clinical efficacy, and postoperative complications. Results Compared with Group B, Group A exhibited significantly shorter operative time, greater resection length, GEE showed significant time effects and group-by-time interactions for VAS pain and swallowing function scores(all P<0.001); scores in Group A were lower than those in Group B at postoperative days 3 and 7(all P<0.001). No statistically significant differences were observed in clinical efficacy or postoperative complications between the two groups(P>0.05). Conclusion The retroauricular sulcus approach for styloid process resection offers advantages including reduced operative time, minimal invasiveness, decreased postoperative pain, and less impact on swallowing function, without compromising clinical efficacy or safety. This technique warrants broader clinical application.

Key words: Resection of the styloid process, Eagle's syndrome, Retroauricular sulcus approach

CLC Number: 

  • R762
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