Wormian (sutural) bones are most characteristically associated with which skeletal dysplasia?
- A Achondroplasia
- B Osteogenesis imperfecta ✓
- C Osteopetrosis
- D Rickets
Explanation
Wormian bones (small intrasutural ossicles) are classically associated with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), especially Type III, where defective type I collagen results in multiple small, disorganised ossification islands within the cranial sutures. They are also seen in cleidocranial dysostosis, pyknodysostosis, and hypothyroidism. Achondroplasia causes rhizomelic short stature with a large head but not characteristically wormian bones. Osteopetrosis causes bone sclerosis ('marble bones'). Rickets causes defective mineralisation producing craniotabes and rachitic rosary, not sutural ossicles.
Reference: BD Chaurasia's Human Anatomy, 8th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.