Prevalence of wormian bones worldwide: a critical review

Wormian bones (WB) are the irregular bone structures developed from additional centers of ossification. Although they commonly found in healthy individuals, under certain conditions (number >10, mosaic pattern, large size), can indicate pathology. While their coexistence with numerous diseases is well-documented, and various studies have reported prevalence populations geographic regions, no qualitative critical review such has been conducted. The aim this paper to perform a research on presence worldwide, particular emphasis methodology used selection samples studied. A sample 44 original articles was selected via PubMed Google Scholar databases. Four criteria were assessed: 1) number individuals each group, 2) known sex 3) 4) implementation statistical analysis. origin determined as well method WB calculation, data worldwide collected tabular form. size varies 22 628 derived both contemporary archaeological populations. major formulas order provide frequency WB. 18 (40.9%) articles. Most focused Asian samples. difficulties comparing caused by considerable inconsistency phenomenon. Therefore, interpopulation comparisons currently made may not be correctly estimated. Our study highlights need for using more comprehensive consistent collection processing protocol suitable populational sutural bones.