Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine &Toxicology

Metopic suture usually obliterates by eight years, sometimes may persist as complete metopic suture or in traces. Metopism is a clinically rare condition but may be misdiagnosed as a fracture skull. Total 253 adult skulls were studied from the region of central India for the metopism. Ten skulls (3.95%) were found to be having complete metopic suture, extending from bregma to nasion without interruption. Incomplete metopic sutures were identified in 134 skulls (52.96%). Remains of sutures were seen in anterior and middle part, but not in the posterior part of suture. Five different patterns of remains of metopic sutures have been identified in this series. Sutural bones were also observed along the line of metopic suture in three skulls. The knowledge of morphological pattern of the metopic suture is important for the radiological and surgical point of view as well as for the forensic experts.