Incidence of Metopism in Adult Skulls from Southeast Brazil

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of persistence of metopic suture in human skulls of Brazil Southeastern and compare with literature. Methods: A collection of 42 human skulls from Nucleus of Morphology was used in order to identify persistent metopic suture. The subjects were catalogued and documented with photographs. Craniometrics points were used in order to obtain dimensions of metopic suture. Results: An incidence of 4.76% of metopism was obtained in analyzed skulls, which all were classified as complete metopic sutures, with a linear pattern intercalated with serrated and interdigitating pattern. Conclusion: Although its low incidence, knowing metopic sutures' anatomy and its correlation to imaging exams is essential to establish different diagnosis in trauma medical care and practice.