Cranial deformations in an Iron Age population from Münsingen-Rain, Switzerland

The aim of this paper is an examination of cranial fluctuating asymmetry (FA) and deformations in the prehistoric population of Munsingen-Rain (La Tene period, Switzerland). The material consists of 76 skulls. Three cases of craniosynostosis, one scaphocephalic skull with complete obliteration of the sagittal suture and two plagiocephalic skulls were identified. CT scans showed that premature closure of the frontosphenoidal suture caused these plagiocephalies. For three asymmetrically deformed skulls, differential diagnosis indicates torticollis (wry neck). Another four skulls exhibit strongly developed asymmetries of the cranium and mandible, but an aetiological diagnosis was not possible.…