Topography and clinical implication of Wormian bones on dry adult human skulls in Telangana region

Abstract

Introduction and Aim: Wormian bones vary in size, form and quantity and their occurrence is influenced by both genetic and environmental variables. Wormian bones are also seen in foetus ultrasounds during the antenatal period. The occurrence of much more than one sutural bone at the pterion is radiographically significant. The current study aims at the occurrence and topography of Wormian bones in the Telangana region and correlates them to other population groups. Material and Methods: This study was carried out in 160 dry adult human skulls. Presence of these Wormian bones in sagittal, coronal, and Lambdoid sutures along with bregma, lambda, asterion and pterion were noted. The quantitative data is analyzed, and the images were captured. Results: Their incidence was 45 % while in 55% skulls they were absent. Their percentage was more in lambdoid suture (16.9%) followed by asterion (12.5%). They were also observed in sutures like coronal (5.6%) and sagittal (1.9%). In pterion their occurrence was 3.12%. In bregma, none of the skull showed Wormian bones. Conclusion: In the present study, incidence of Wormian bones (Wb’s) is 45% with a greater number of Wb’s observed in Lambdoid suture (16.9%). In the event of any interventions or investigations on the skull, topography of these bones is to be considered.