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Metopism: a Study of the Persistent Metopic Suture
Matthew J Zdilla1,2, Michelle L Russell1, Aaron W Koons1
1Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics.
The Journal of Craniofacial Surgery
|October 20, 2017
Summary
The study found that metopism, the persistent metopic suture, occurs in 2.57% of adults. Its prevalence varies significantly across different populations and sexes, offering new insights into craniofacial development.
Area of Science:
- Anthropology
- Anatomy
- Radiology
Background:
- Metopism, the persistence of the metopic suture, is a significant radiographic finding.
- It can be mistaken for a frontal bone fracture and may indicate frontal sinus abnormalities.
- Limited data exists on metopism prevalence in diverse global populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of metopism in adult human crania from various understudied populations.
- To analyze variations in metopism occurrence across different geographic and ethnic groups.
- To investigate potential sex-based differences in metopism prevalence.
Main Methods:
- Examination of 505 adult crania for the presence of a metopic suture.
- Categorization of crania by geographic origin and sex.
- Statistical analysis of metopism prevalence across subpopulations.
Main Results:
- A total of 13 crania (2.57%) exhibited metopism.
- Prevalence varied: 8.06% in Europeans, 15.38% in East Asians, 2.20% in Egyptians, and 2.86% in Bengalis.
- Metopism was absent in African (non-Egyptian), Peruvian, Malayan, and Mexican crania; higher in females (3.77%) than males (1.79%).
Conclusions:
- The prevalence of metopism significantly differs among populations and sexes.
- Findings provide valuable anthropological, developmental, and clinical data on metopism.
- Highlights the need for further research in underrepresented populations.
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