Radiographic evaluation of head and neck soft tissue calcification and ossification

The aim of this study is to determine the frequency and distribution of soft tissue calcifications and ossifications of the head and neck region on panoramic radiographic images. Digital panoramic images of a total of 4000 patients were examined in terms of the presence of calcification/ossification in five different regions determined according to the settlements on the panoramic image. Calcification or ossification was detected in 232 patients, 114 male and 118 female, aged 16-77 years. The distribution of calcifications and ossifications encountered according to age, gender and location were examined. Chi-square tests were used for statistical analysis. Statistical significance level was accepted as p < 0.05. In our study, the region with the most common calcification/ossification was found to be the second region (49.4%). The pathology detected in this region is stylohyoid ligament ossification. According to age groups, the most calcification/ossification was found in the age range of 46-60 (32.3%). Only in the fifth region, the frequency of calcification was statistically significantly different between the sexes (p<0,05). In this region, mostly laryngeal cartilage calcifications and arterial calcifications are detected.