A Cross-sectional study on the incidence of sutural bones of the skull

Background: Sutural (Wormian) bones are accessory ossicles formed within cranial sutures due to independent ossification centers. Their presence, number, and morphology vary across populations and may mimic skull fractures on radiological imaging, making their identification clinically important. Objective: To determine the incidence, frequency, and anatomical distribution of sutural bones in dried adult human skulls of unknown age and gender. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 30 intact dried adult skulls from the Anatomy Department of Allama Iqbal Medical College, Lahore. Skulls were examined for sutural bones at major cranial sutures. Bone thickness at sutural and non-sutural sites was measured using a digital vernier caliper. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23. Results: Sutural bones were observed in 19 (63%) skulls. The lambdoid suture demonstrated the highest frequency (30%), followed by the asterion (16.6%), pterion (6.6%), and sagittal suture (6.6%). No sutural bones were identified at the bregma. About 20% of skulls exhibited bilateral sutural bones. Sutural bone thickness was generally greater than that of adjacent skull bone. Conclusion: Sutural bones are common anatomical variants, predominantly seen along the lambdoid suture. Awareness of their appearance is essential for neurosurgeons, radiologists, and forensic specialists to prevent misdiagnosis of fractures or pathological defects