Morphometric Localization of Bregma in Dry Skull and Its Clinical Importance

Abstract Objectives: This study emphasizes the crucial role of accurately pinpointing the bregma, a vital skull landmark, in essential neurosurgical procedures such as ventriculostomies and craniotomies. By thoroughly validating its precise position, the research seeks to greatly improve the accuracy, safety, and efficiency of both surgical practices and research that depend on cranial landmarks. Materials and Methods: The research was carried out on 80 adult dry skulls of indeterminate age, gender, and ethnicity. Three key anatomical points were marked on the skulls: the nasion (where the frontal and nasal bones meet), the bregma (the intersection of the coronal and sagittal sutures), and the inion (the highest point of the external occipital protuberance). Results: The distances between the nasion and inion, as well as between the nasion and bregma, were measured using a tape measure. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS software. For the 80 skulls studied, the nasion-to-bregma distance ranged from 116 mm to 145 mm, with an average of 127.9 ± 6.29 mm. The nasion-to-inion distance varied between 305 mm and 356 mm, with an average of 322.9 ± 14.5 mm. A ratio of 0.396 was established between nasion–bregma and nasion–inion distances. Conclusion: A precise and dependable ratio (0.396 of the nasion-to-inion distance) was established to determine the location of the bregma. Since the coronal suture extends on either side of the bregma, accurately identifying both the bregma and the coronal suture is crucial for many cranial surgical procedures.