ABSTRACT
Background: Cranial sutures and their evolution is interesting in the field of cranial growing and shaping. It is adentate suture extending from nasion to bregma. Metopic suture normally closes at 1 – 3 yrs, but is allowed upto 8 yrs. Incidence varies in different races from 1% - 12% .Aim: The present study was done to know the incidence of Metopic suture in south Indian skulls.Materials and Methods: 100 skulls from the Anatomy Dept museum at Shridevi Institute of Medical SciencesTumkur were collected for the present study. The skulls with persistent metopic suture were thoroughly observed.Results: Metopic suture was present in 38%. Complete suture was seen in 3% and incomplete in 35%.Among the3 complete sutures one was linear and continue with sagittal suture measuring 12.3 cm and 2 were H shapedmeasuring 11.0 cm and 12.1 cm. Incomplete sutures were classified depending on the shape U, V, Y and linear.Linear suture was seen in 26 skulls, U shape in 4 skulls, V shape 4 skulls, Y shape 1 skull.Conclusion: The presence of metopic suture is important from a clinical point of view. It must be included indifferential diagnosis of suspected skull fracture particularly frontal bone. It is not a pathological entity butmost certainly should be noted as an incidental finding on an X ray. The suture is best identified in A -P view ofskull