Surgeons Removed 9-Centimeter Bone in Lexington Patient

Doctors at the University of Kentucky treated a rare case involving an overgrown styloid process and Eagle syndrome.

Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Stroke

Isometric editorial illustration of surgical bone-cutting tools on a sterile tray, representing a complex medical procedure. — Surgeons at the University of Kentucky successfully performed a rare procedure to remove a 9-centimeter overgrown styloid bone from a patient. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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A 69-year-old man underwent a complex surgery in Lexington to remove a 9-centimeter elongated styloid process that had eroded his hyoid bone. This rare anatomical anomaly, which significantly exceeded the typical 2.5-centimeter length, resulted in chronic neck pain and difficulty swallowing.

Why it matters

The case highlights the extreme manifestations of Eagle syndrome, a rare condition that affects only 0.16% of the general population. Proper identification is critical, as overgrown bone structures in the neck can physically interfere with cranial nerves and major blood vessels.

A 69-year-old patient presented with an elongated 9-centimeter styloid process compared to the typical 2.5-centimeter length. While 4% of the population may have an elongated process, the specific manifestation of Eagle syndrome affects only 0.16% of people.

The players

University of Kentucky

This public research university serves as the location where the treating surgeons performed the complex neck procedure.

The details

Surgeons at the University of Kentucky performed a styloidectomy, requiring an incision into the parapharyngeal space to carefully navigate around critical cranial nerves and major blood vessels. The procedure involved removing 7.5 centimeters of the overgrown bone and part of the damaged hyoid bone, which had joined the process through a fibrous union.

September 8, 2026: Case report published in the Ear, Nose & Throat Journal.
April 2026: A separate report described a 10.1-centimeter styloid process.
Eight months post-surgery: The patient's neck pain and swallowing difficulties resolved.

The Big Picture

This case follows the clinical pattern established by the April 2026 report of a 10.1-centimeter styloid process, illustrating the continued documentation of rare anatomical anomalies in medical literature.

While Eagle syndrome is rare, patients experiencing chronic throat pain or difficulty swallowing that does not respond to standard care may require specialized imaging to rule out bone elongation. Post-surgery patients should be aware of potential complications like first bite syndrome, which this patient developed during recovery.

The takeaway

Though surgery is an effective intervention, recovery can include temporary side effects like first bite syndrome. Consulting an otolaryngologist remains the most reliable path for individuals suffering from unexplained and persistent neck or throat pain.