Which ligament is associated with Eagle's syndrome?

Which ligament is associated with Eagle's syndrome?

• A. Stylomandibular ligament
• B. Sphenomandibular ligament
• C. Stylohyoid ligament
• D. Temporomandibular ligament

Answer: (C)

Eagle's syndrome occurs when the stylohyoid ligament elongates or becomes calcified, forming a longer styloid–hyoid chain that can irritate nearby structures in the throat. The stylohyoid ligament runs from the styloid process of the temporal bone to the hyoid bone, and when it is abnormally long or ossified it can press on or irritate the glossopharyngeal nerve and tissues in the tonsillar region, producing deep throat or ear pain, a sensation of a foreign body, or dysphagia. This is why the stylohyoid ligament is the ligament associated with Eagle's syndrome. The other ligaments listed—stylomandibular, sphenomandibular, and the temporomandibular ligament—are involved in jaw movement and TMJ stability but are not characteristically linked to Eagle's syndrome. Imaging often shows an elongated styloid process or calcified stylohyoid ligament, and treatment ranges from conservative measures to surgical shortening or removal of the elongated/ossified segment if symptoms persist.

Eagle's syndrome occurs when the stylohyoid ligament elongates or becomes calcified, forming a longer styloid–hyoid chain that can irritate nearby structures in the throat. The stylohyoid ligament runs from the styloid process of the temporal bone to the hyoid bone, and when it is abnormally long or ossified it can press on or irritate the glossopharyngeal nerve and tissues in the tonsillar region, producing deep throat or ear pain, a sensation of a foreign body, or dysphagia. This is why the stylohyoid ligament is the ligament associated with Eagle's syndrome. The other ligaments listed—stylomandibular, sphenomandibular, and the temporomandibular ligament—are involved in jaw movement and TMJ stability but are not characteristically linked to Eagle's syndrome. Imaging often shows an elongated styloid process or calcified stylohyoid ligament, and treatment ranges from conservative measures to surgical shortening or removal of the elongated/ossified segment if symptoms persist.