A Morphological Study On Shapes Of Pterion And Its Clinical Importance.

Abstract

Background: The pterion is an important anatomical landmark of the skull where the frontal, temporal, parietal and sphenoid bones are articulated. The pterion is the thinnest and the weakest spot of the skull. and can be used as an anatomical landmark of the anterior branch of the middle meningeal artery, lateral sulcus of brain and especially Broca's motor speech area. It is also an important approach point to the sphenoid ridge during optic cancer surgery. Therefore, the position of the pterion is of vital importance in neurosurgery. Materials and Methods:The present study was conducted to findout the shapes of pterion in adult human dry skulls. 96 adlut dry skull were included for the study. We have observed 192 sides and classified the pterion shapes according to Murphys`s classification in to 4 types namely, sphenoparietal, frontotemporal, stellate and epipteric suture. We have collected the skulls from routine classes of medical, dental and departmental stock also used. Results: The present study was conducted in 96(192 sides) adult dry skulls, out of 52(104 sides) identified as male skulls and 44(88 sides) found as female skulls. We observed 4 types of pterions in present study that includes Spenoparital, Frontoparietal, Stellate and Epipteric. In males 75(72.11%) sides identifies as spenoparital, 15(14.42%) sides identified as frontoparital, 8(7.69%) sides as stellate and 2(1.92%) as epipteric. Conclusion:The present study findings may be helpful in practice of forensic medicine, anthropology. The pterion site very important for neurosurgeons as it is site for middle meningeal vessels and important areas of cerebrum like Broca`s area.