Objective: The main objective was to study the stylalgia profile in Indians and the outcome of styloidectomy in such cases.
Design: This prospective study was carried out by random selection of patients with stylalgia using periodic random numbers.
Setting: This was a hospital-based study.
Methods: Surgical excision of the symptomatic enlarged styloid process was performed by the transtonsillar route using a dilation and curettage (D and C) curette.
Main outcome measures: The patients were followed postoperatively for their pain relief.
Results: Of 40 patients operated on, 31 (77.5%) became symptom free, 5 (12.5%) had considerable improvement in their symptoms, and 4 (10%) had no relief.
Conclusions: The incidence of an enlarged styloid process was found to be higher in an Indian rural population with female preponderance owing to their carrying of heavy weight on head. Styloidectomy was very rewarding. The D and C curette was found to be a very effective instrument for styloidectomy.