A roentgen-anatomic study of association between persistant inter-frontal Suture with varied presence of frontal sinus

Abstract

Introduction: The suture that persist between frontal bones beyond 8 years of life is termed as “Metopism”. This metopic suture has been shown to exhibit ethnic variability in its incidence with an Asian incidence of up to 5.5%. Previous studies had morphologically classified metopism into complete and incomplete types. The presence of this inter-frontal suture is claimed to alter the development of frontal sinus from asymmetry to complete absence. Methodology: Occurrence of metopic suture among180 adult skulls was studied. The observed suture was further classified morphologically into complete and incomplete types. The skulls with either of the types were further studied radiologically for the presence and symmetry of the frontal sinus. Result: Complete and incomplete metopism was observed in 3.88% and 46.66% of the skulls studied respectively. On radiological examination, absence of frontal sinus was seen more with complete metopism while asymmetry of frontal sinus was noted mainly with incomplete type. Conclusion: The presence of inter-frontal suture in adults with its associated variation in the development of frontal sinuses is of interest for anatomist and significant for radiologist, neurosurgeon and forensic pathologist while examining, operating and reporting of frontal fractures. Keywords: Metopism, Frontal sinus, Inter frontal suture, Metopic suture