Zygomatic Bone and Skull Growth: Lessons from Cranial Deformations
Serge Ketoff · F. Girinon · S. Schlager · M. Friess · T. Schouman · P. Rouch · R.H. Khonsari
J Anat · 2017 · 230(4):524-531
How does skull growth influence facial shape? Dr Serge Ketoff, first author of this fundamental research (Journal of Anatomy), studied the cheekbone in skulls with intentional deformation — a rare model for understanding the links between growth and facial morphology.
In brief
- Intentional cranial deformations permanently modify head shape.
- They also affect the face, notably the zygomatic (cheek) bone.
- A model for understanding how skull growth influences the face.
A biomechanics question
Intentional cranial deformations were produced by applying external mechanical constraints to the skull vault during the first years of life. Their impact on the midface was poorly described. The study assesses the shape of the zygomatic bone across different deformation types.
Method
Fourteen non-deformed skulls were compared with skulls showing antero-posterior, circumferential or 'Toulouse' deformations. Zygomatic shape was analysed with a statistical shape model after mesh registration, with cross-validation.
Results and relevance
Each deformation type induces specific zygomatic changes corresponding to varying degrees of retrusion. This model sheds light on the influence of epigenetic factors on craniofacial growth and helps understand the facial effects of skull malformations (synostoses) or orthopedic devices (helmets for deformational plagiocephaly).
Key points
- Fundamental research: skull growth ↔ face.
- Statistical shape model of the zygomatic bone.
- Illustrates Dr Ketoff's biomechanics background.
- Open access (PMC5345617).
Reference : Ketoff S, Girinon F, Schlager S, Friess M, Schouman T, Rouch P, Khonsari RH. Zygomatic bone shape in intentional cranial deformations: a model for the study of the interactions between skull growth and facial morphology. J Anat. 2017;230(4):524-531.
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