Ossification of bilateral stylohyoid ligament with Bell facial paralysis: a case report and literature review

To investigate the correlation between the ossification of the styloid hyoid ligament and Bell's facial paralysis and provide a reference for clinical diagnosis and treatment.

A case of ossification of the bilateral stylohyoid ligament with Bell's facial palsy caused by ossification of the bilateral stylohyoid ligament was diagnosed by clinical manifestations, differential diagnosis and imaging examination. The surgical plan was determined, and combined surgical resection of the ossified area of the styloid hyoid ligament and the greater horn of the hyoid was performed. Postoperative cefoxitin sodium anti-inflammatory treatment, methylprednisolone hormone treatment, acyclovir antiviral treatment, mecobalamin nutritional neurotherapy, and the relevant literature were analyzed.

The patient experienced pain when swallowing before surgery, disappearance of right frontal ridges, incomplete eyelid closure, and ptosis of mouth corners. An MRI scan of the brain excluded intracranial space-occupying lesions and resulted in the diagnosis of Bell's facial paralysis. High-resolution CT of the styloid process confirmed ossification of the styloid hyoid ligament. Styloid process shortening and partial hyoid resection were performed under general anesthesia. Half a month after discharge, the symptoms of sore throat and pain in swallowing disappeared, facial nerve function recovered well, right eyelid closure function recovered well, and right mouth droop improved. The facial nerve function basically returned to normal after 1 month of follow-up. A review of the relevant literature showed that ossification of the stylohyoid ligament to form pseudojoint dilation can locally stimulate the peripheral facial nerve and lead to facial paralysis symptoms.

Ossification of the styloid hyoid ligament is usually characterized by pharyngeal pain, which can be confirmed by imaging examination. Ossification of the styloid hyoid ligament with facial paralysis is rare in the clinic, so it is necessary to make a clear diagnosis and treat the symptoms.