Co-occurrence of Deformational Plagiocephaly and Metopism in an Adult Sri Lankan Skull: A Case Report

Plagiocephaly is characterised by asymmetrical distortion of the skull. The co-occurrence of deformational (non-synostotic) plagiocephaly with a persistent metopic suture (metopism) in adulthood is rarely documented. A well-preserved dry adult skull of Sri Lankan origin was identified in the osteological collection of the Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka. Examination revealed a parallelogram-shaped cranial vault and significant occipito-parietal flattening consistent with deformational plagiocephaly. Unusually, a complete metopic suture (10.03 mm) was present, extending from the glabella to the bregma. All other cranial sutures were patent. This case highlights an anatomical variant in which a persistent metopic suture persists into adulthood despite the mechanical stresses typically associated with cranial deformation. It highlights the importance of distinguishing between deformational and synostotic plagiocephaly in skeletal remains.