Understanding and Evaluating a Normal Metopic Ridge and Pathological Metopic Craniosynostosis in an Infant

Authors: Valliammai Valliyappan, Ashok Veerappan, Nishkkriyaa Gopal

ABSTRACT

A palpable ridge along the metopic suture is a common finding in infants and may cause concern for metopic craniosynostosis. However, a benign metopic ridge represents a normal variant that does not require imaging or surgical intervention. After obtaining verbal parental consent, we report the case of an 11-month-old infant who presented with a prominent midline forehead ridge. Detailed clinical evaluation revealed normal cranial shape, growth parameters, and neurodevelopment, supporting the diagnosis of a benign metopic ridge. This case highlights the importance of careful clinical assessment to differentiate normal variants from pathological craniosynostosis, thereby avoiding unnecessary investigations and parental anxiety.

Keywords: Cranial suture, Metopic ridge, Metopic, craniosynostosis, Trigonocephaly

Citations: IeJSME 2026 Vol 20 (1): 55-56