Computed tomographic assisted study of morphological changes in the sutural areas as resulting from obliteration

Abstract

The authors have studied the morphological differences of sutural areas in human skulls at distinct stages of obliteration. A computed tomography aided with computer algorithm of tonal correction was applied to visualise structural changes in the sutural areas that are correlated with sutural ossification. The results of our study suggest that obliteration of cranial sutures is accompanied by local fluctuations of bony density in sutural areas, gradual unification of structural density towards ectocranium. When the obliteration proceeds, the sutural gap ceases. The laminas and diploic layers of the two opposing bones become a single structure of increased integrity.