Wormian Bones

Wormian bones are abnormal ossicles that develop from extra ossification centers within the cranium. They are most frequently located in the lambdoid suture or the coronal suture, and have been seen in the fontanelles, particularly the posterior fontanelle.

wormian bone
Panzer S, Peschel O, Haas-Gebhard B, Bachmeier BE, Pusch CM, Nerlich AG, CC BY 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons

Commonest Cause

Idiopathic (Anatomic variant)

Other Causes

Mnemonic: PORK CHOPS

1. Pyknodyostosis

2. Osteogenesis imperfecta

3. Rickets

4. Kinky hair syndrome

5. Cleidocranial dysostosis

6. Hypothyroidism/hypophosphatasia

7. Otopalatodigital syndrome

8. Primary acro-osteolysis/Pachydermoperiostosis/Progeria

9. Syndrome of Downs


Write your Viewpoint 💬

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.