Sutural Morphology in the Craniofacial Skeleton: A Descriptive Microcomputed Tomography Study in a Swine Model

Sutures are greatly involved in both normal craniofacial growth and developmental anomalies. Having clear parameters for defining their morphology is fundamental to properly investigate their physiological or pathological development. However, the current literature is lacking of well-defined methods for the assessment of these structures. This study performed a comprehensive microcomputed tomography (μCT) analysis of a swine model evaluating morphological variation of sutures in different skull regions. Seventy-two suture samples were removed from one swine (Sus scrofa), approximately 9–12-month-old. Each sample was analyzed with μCT in the parallel (PAR) and perpendicular (PER) plane with respect to the bone surface. Suture width (Sw), linear obliteration index (LOI), and linear interdigitation index (LII) were calculated in each of the two reference planes, and sutures were categorized in four types (St). Parameters were compared among the facial, craniofacial, and cranial region. Description of the main morphological parameters was provided, and differences were found between the parallel and perpendicular planes. St varied depending on the skull region, with simple sutures more represented in the cranial region. LII in the perpendicular plane decreased from facial to craniofacial and cranial region. Sw in the parallel plane decreased from facial and craniofacial to cranial region. In the swine model, the sutural width, linear interdigitation, and suture type were related to distinct skull regions. The suture type was introduced to allow a better morphological characterization of sutures as 3D structures. Clear definition of sutural parameters is important for appropriate description of these complex structures. Anat Rec, 302:2156–2163, 2019. © 2019 American Association for Anatomy