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Midface Hypoplasia and Cranial Base Morphology in Syndromic Craniosynostosis: A Comparative Analysis Study Using a Predictive Regression Model
Published on: November 4, 2025
Effect of intentional cranial modification on craniofacial landmarks: a three-dimensional perspective
Ann H Ross1, Douglas H Ubelaker
1Department of Sociology and Anthropology, NC State University, Raleigh, NC 27695-8107, USA. ann_ross@ncsu.edu
The Journal of Craniofacial Surgery
|November 26, 2009
Summary
Cranial modification practices, common globally, do not significantly alter facial and basal skull landmarks. However, changes are observed in cranial vault landmarks, impacting craniometric studies.
Area of Science:
- Paleoanthropology
- Bioarchaeology
- Forensic Anthropology
Background:
- Cranial modification is a widespread cultural practice, yet its precise impact on craniofacial morphology remains unclear.
- Understanding these effects is crucial for interpreting skeletal remains and craniometric data in anthropological and forensic contexts.
Observation:
- This study analyzed clinically normal and artificially modified crania from the Ancón archaeological site in Peru (Late Intermediate period, AD 900-1300).
- A three-dimensional approach was employed to precisely map craniofacial landmark locations.
Findings:
- Artificial cranial vault modification did not significantly affect the spatial positioning of landmarks in the facial and basal regions of the skull.
- Conversely, significant differences were identified in the locations of certain landmarks on the cranial vault itself.
Implications:
- The findings suggest that facial and basal craniofacial morphology may be resilient to vault modification techniques.
- This research aids in the accurate interpretation of craniometric data from modified skulls, refining our understanding of biological distance and population dynamics.
- It also provides a basis for further research into craniofacial morphology and dysmorphology related to artificial cranial deformation.
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