AVALIAÇÃO DA FREQUÊNCIA DE SUTURA METÓPICA EM CRÂNIOS ADULTOS SECOS EM MATO GROSSO DO SUL

Abstract

The metopic suture, or median frontal suture, shows wide variation in prevalence and morphology among different populations, holding clinical, anthropological, and forensic importance. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and morphological variations of the metopic suture in adult dry skulls from an academic collection in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. A total of 120 skulls were examined through macroscopic analysis and standardized photographic recording, including only skulls with well-defined sutures and excluding damaged or non-adult specimens. The presence of the suture was classified as complete or incomplete, and data were presented in absolute numbers and percentages. The metopic suture was found in 38% of specimens, with 5% being complete metopism and 33% corresponding to incomplete forms; of those, 2.5% were simple linear, 10.8% double linear, and 20% V-shaped. The findings are consistent with national and international studies and reflect the heterogeneous prevalence of the metopic suture, possibly related to multiple genetic, environmental, and ethnic factors. Recognizing this anatomical variation is crucial to avoid misdiagnoses in imaging and forensic practice. Multicenter and comparative studies with larger samples are recommended to improve the understanding of the determinants and diagnostic implications of this variation.