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RESEARCH PRODUCT

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

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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. In order to evaluate the degree of fluctuating asymmetry of the population, landmarks of the skulls were digitally measured in 3D and angle calculations were made. A reference group of 30 skulls was used for comparison. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.