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Updated: Feb 5, 2026
Four-Dimensional CT Analysis Using Sequential 3D-3D Registration
Published on: November 23, 2019
Physiologic closure time of the metopic suture in South Australian infants from 3D CT scans
Sophie Jane Teager1, Sarah Constantine2, Nicolene Lottering3
1School of Dentistry`, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia. sophie.teager@sa.gov.au.
Insights
Physiologic metopic suture fusion occurs later than previously thought, typically between 3-19 months. Fusion before 3 months in infants may indicate metopic synostosis.
Area of Science:
- Craniofacial development
- Pediatric radiology
Background:
- Metopic synostosis is premature fusion of the metopic suture, impacting frontal bone growth.
- Diagnosis involves clinical assessment and 3D CT scans.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the timing of metopic suture fusion in infants.
- Define the normal age range for physiologic metopic suture fusion in an Australian subpopulation.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 258 cranial 3D CT scans.
- Study included children aged 0-24 months over a 5-year period.
Main Results:
- The physiologic range for metopic suture fusion is wider than previously reported.
- Complete fusion is expected by 19 months.
Conclusions:
- Physiologic metopic suture fusion occurs between 3-19 months.
- Fusion before 3 months is considered abnormal and indicative of metopic synostosis.
Abstract:
Metopic synostosis is a craniofacial condition characterised by the premature fusion of the metopic suture. This early fusion restricts frontal bone growth [17] and has significant impacts on the developing infant during a critical phase of rapid growth and development [4]. Diagnosis of the condition is usually achieved by clinical assessment, followed by a three-dimensional computed tomography (3D CT) scan, verifying premature metopic suture fusion.
Purpose:
This retrospective study aims to investigate the timing of metopic suture fusion in the developing infant in an Australian subpopulation.
Methods:
The study evaluates metopic suture fusion in 258 cranial 3D CT scans of children aged 0-24 months over a 5-year period (2011-2016), scanned at Women's and Children's Hospital.
Results:
The findings suggest that the age range over which physiologic metopic suture fusion occurs is larger than previously reported.
Conclusions:
The approximate range for physiologic fusion was found to be 3-19 months and patients with fusion within this range can be considered normal. Complete suture fusion is expected by 19 months. Additionally, results indicate suture fusion prior to 3 months is abnormal and diagnostically indicative of metopic synostosis.
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