A prospective anatomic study of epipteric bones in dry human skulls of Karnataka

Sucharitha Annam,Roshni Bajpe

doi:10.7439/ijbar.v7i6.3301

Abstract

Aim: To study the incidence of epipteric bones in the region of pterion in human skulls.Materials & Methods: The study was done for a period of two years in the department of Anatomy at Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences and Research center, Bengaluru. A total of 100 dry unknown skulls from bone sets possessed by first year students of Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences and Research center, Bengaluru of 2009 2011 batch were evaluated for the presence of epipteric bones.Results: Out of 100 skulls, epipteric bones were seen in the region of pterion in 24 skulls. Bilateral occurrence was noted in 8 skulls and unilateral occurrence was seen in the remaining 16 skulls. Among the unilateral occurrence, 6 were seen on the right side and 10 were seen on the left side.Conclusion: In conclusion, identification of the occurrence of epipteric bones at the site of pterion is important as they may be confused for fractures. Also, presence of epipteric bones may lead to complications in making burr holes at the pterion.

Highlights

Pterion is defined as an H-shaped sutural junction formed by the meeting of four bones: frontal, parietal, temporal and sphenoid on norma lateralis of the skull[1]
The number and frequency of epipteric bone are of much interest to physical anthropologists; further studies will be required on different human races
Our study shows the presence of epipteric bones predominantly on left side of the skull, similar to the studies done by Ahuja et al[4], Manjunath et al[6] and Chirag et al[9]

Summary

Introduction

Pterion is defined as an H-shaped sutural junction formed by the meeting of four bones: frontal, parietal, temporal and sphenoid on norma lateralis of the skull[1]. The pterion was first classified into three types (Sphenoparietal, frontotemporal and stellate) by Broca in 1875. Four types (Sphenoparietal, frontotemporal, stellate and epipteric) were defined by Murphy (1956)[2]. The incidence of epipteric bones is variable in different populations. Its presence is important for neurosurgeons, radiologists and anthropologists. The knowledge of epipteric bone is important to decide the site in burr hole surgeries. The incidence of epipteric bone is of extreme importance in anti- mortem cranial radiograph and forensic medicine as the presence of epipteric bones provides false impressions of fractures or fractures may be interpreted as epipteric bones. The number and frequency of epipteric bone are of much interest to physical anthropologists; further studies will be required on different human races

Objectives

Methods

Conclusion