Journal of Osteopathic Medicine, 2026/10, (online 2026/10/05):. doi: 10.1515/jom-2025-0125, type of study: case report

Free full text   (https://www.degruyterbrill.com/de/document/doi/10.1515/jom-2025-0125/html)

Keywords:

case report [738]
cranial styloid [1]
cranium [86]
Eagle syndrome [1]
facial pain [12]
fascial distortion model [29]
FDM [14]
female [656]
women [609]

Abstract:

Eagle syndrome is a rare condition characterized by an elongated cranial styloid process (≥30.00 mm), leading to pain and dysfunction in the surrounding anatomy. Current treatment options include styloidectomy, analgesics, corticosteroids, and antidepressants. The fascial distortion model (FDM), a newer osteopathic approach, offers a different perspective on treating Eagle syndrome. This case study examines the use of the FDM to manage Eagle syndrome by treating the cranial styloid elongation as a continuum distortion (CD). A 27-year-old female with a 3-year history of left-sided facial pain and associated symptoms underwent FDM treatment to the cranial styloid tip, performed bi-weekly for 5 weeks. Ultrasonographic measurements of the cranial styloids were taken at weeks 1 and 5, along with somatic dysfunction assessments. Results demonstrated a reduction in sonographically measured cranial styloid length, increased tissue mobility, and symptom relief. True osseous shortening, resorption, or fracture could not be confirmed because posttreatment computed tomography (CT) was not obtained. This case report suggests the FDM may serve as a viable conservative treatment for Eagle syndrome, offering an alternative to invasive or pharmacological interventions.