Wormian Bone in the Anterior Fontanelle of an Otherwise Well Neonate

Abstract

Wormian bones are supernumerary bones of the skull that form as a result of extra-ossification centers during development in utero. They are a common finding that typically lie within and are surrounded by suture lines, especially the lambdoidal and coronal sutures. Wormian bones located within the fontanelles of neonates have a lower reported incidence and have been associated with various disorders such as craniosynostosis and osteogenesis imperfecta. Few reports have documented the existence of a Wormian bone in the fontanelle of an infant without complications or underlying pathology. There are limited resources or case reports that discuss a Wormian bone as a variant of normal. This report details the case of a child with an isolated Wormian bone within the anterior fontanelle discovered before discharge from hospital at birth. The child went on to have normal growth of his head circumference and did not have any further developmental complications after follow-up.

Fontanellar bone - A rarity in pediatric cranial abnormalities

“…This decision aligns with the broader principle of avoiding unnecessary interventions, particularly in cases where the condition poses no immediate threat to the patient’s well-being. [ 5 , 7 ]…”