Some anthropologic investigations of interest to oral surgeons

Abstract

An intensive study of skull material of various origins from the large collection at the Department of Physical Anthropology, University of Cambridge, has resulted in the pooling of certain data likely to be of interest to oral surgeons. The investigation embraced differing racial units, but although patterns may vary with culture and geography it is unlikely that the specimens examined have shown significantly disparate trends. The specific series of investigations has included some subject matter which, hitherto, has received scant attention in the literature. Most of the samples used are possibly'larger than those of previous workers. The analysis includes a detailed reappraisal of Stafne's idiopathic bone cavity in the light of certain circumstantial evidence from skulls, together with a reference to comparative studies. In a multifarous survey of this nature, it is logical — for the sake of clarity and convenience — to deal with the various facets in sequence under separate subheadings. Much of the material appears in a tabulated form with appropriate comments. Patently, the positive results achieved in the skeletal investigation will have relevance to some aspects of surgical practice.