Variability in Thickness of Human Skull Bones and Sternum – an Autopsy Experience

This is a pilot study to know the thickness of skull and sternum bones during postmortem examination. A total number of 76 cases were studied on autopsy during the period of six months at University Malaya, Kuala Lumpur. Out of 76 cases, 66 were males and 10 were females. Male to female ratio was 6.6:1. Ten parameters were studied about the thickness of skull bones. Sternum bone thickness was also measured. Results showed thickness of skull bones in males to be:frontal 6.3 mm; temporal 3.9 mm; occipital 7.7mm; parietal 5.8mm; central frontal bone 8.1mm and occipital 9.35mm. In females thickness at various points of skull bones was found to be: frontal, 5.7 mm; temporal, 3.4mm; occipital, 7.1mm;parietal, 5.6mm; central frontal bone, 7.4mm and occipital, 8.2mm. It was observed in our study that thickness of frontal and occipital bones of skull bones varied from 3 mm to 14 mm,with an average of 8mm; an average thickness of 4mm was observed for temporal bones on both sides. Sternum thickness measured in males at Manubrium sterni to be 16.34 mm; Junction of Manubrium and body, 16.54mm; Middle of body,13.12mm; at tip, 11.5mm; Suprasternal notch, 17.21 mm. In females, measurements were Manubrium sterni, 14.34 mm; Junction of Manubrium and body, 16.6mm; Middle of body, 11.2mm; at tip,10.25mm; Suprasternal notch, 16.2mm.

It was concluded that occipital bone was the thickest skull bone, while frontal bone was found to be the second thickest skull bone. It was also noted that skull bones were not uniform plates and have great variations in thickness at different points. Skull fracture and intracranial damage have heavy fatality in traumatic cases,Our study hence highlights the importance of varying skull bone thickness and thinness which is being correlated with skull fractures sites and intracranial damage in our future studies.