Transoral endoscopic-assisted styloidectomy: How should Eagle syndrome be managed surgically?

Eagle syndrome, or calcification of the stylohyoid ligament, is a rare condition that may present a clinical diagnostic dilemma for those unfamiliar with its existence and its typical presenting signs and symptoms. Management of this disease process may involve either non-surgical or surgical treatment options. When surgery is indicated, the choice of a specific surgical modality is highly variable and is generally dependent upon individual surgeon preference and experience, since the location of the styloid process is consistent between patients, and the required surgical access is also similar depending upon the specific surgical plan. This paper reports a case of Eagle syndrome managed with a transoral endoscopic-assisted approach, explores the advantages and disadvantages of each surgical approach, and reviews the literature regarding surgical management options for Eagle syndrome.