Wormian Bones Revisited: A Narrative Review
Wormian bones, which are classified as small intrasutural ossicles, may sometimes distort the shape of the skull. They are not included in the conventional count of 206 bones listed in the adult human body. Their emergence and ossification in and around the sutures of the skull have remained controv...
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| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
JCDR Research and Publications Private Limited
2025-06-01
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| Series: | Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://jcdr.net/articles/PDF/21143/79471_CE[Ra1]_F(IS)_QC(AN_OM)_PF1(Rf_IS)_PFA(IS)_PN(IS).pdf |
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| Summary: | Wormian bones, which are classified as small intrasutural ossicles, may sometimes distort the shape of the skull. They are not included in the conventional count of 206 bones listed in the adult human body. Their emergence and ossification in and around the sutures of the skull have remained controversial to date, with researchers speculating that their origins may be similar to how sesamoid bones arise within tendons at pressure points. The occurrence of wormian bones within the cranial sutures has been met with uncertainty, as it has a role in affecting the shape of the fontanelles. Hence, this review focuses on the morphology, occurrence, and pressure effects of these bones, as well as their implications for skull growth from foetal to postnatal life. The primary objective of this review is to highlight the impact of wormian bones on the surrounding cranium. It also summarises the collaborative findings of various researchers who have studied these bones in the dry skulls of diverse population groups. The prevalence of wormian bones in the general population is estimated to be 35% in adult skulls. A thorough knowledge of the characteristics of these bones may assist neurosurgeons in positioning scalp flaps and cranial sutures correctly in neonatal skulls. This review aims to provide readers with an in-depth understanding of the consequential effects of these miniaturised bones on other bones of the face and skull, due to the ripple-like effects surrounding wormian bones, thus helping to delineate the pathways that cause distortion of joints as a result of these bones. |
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| ISSN: | 2249-782X 0973-709X |