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Cited by 2Craniofacial Disorders and TreatmentsForensic Anthropology and Bioarchaeology StudiesMorphological variations and asymmetry

Cranioscopic and craniometric characteristics of the adult neurocranium in normal and deformed states

Open access
Gaivoronsky, Ivan V., Solovyev, Kirill V., Kirillova, Maria P.·2025·Morphology
DOI 10.17816/morph.677566
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Abstract

BACKGROUND: Modern craniological studies should be based on an integrated approach and include algorithms to distinguish between normal and pathological conditions. It is essential to determine the extent to which craniometric parameters of deformed skulls deviate from normal values. AIM: This study aimed to examine the cranioscopic and craniometric characteristics of the neurocranium in normal and deformed states based on the Dolgo-Saburov collection preserved in the Fundamental Museum of the Department of Normal Anatomy, S.M. Kirov Military Medical Academy; to determine the prevalence of cranial deformations; and to develop criteria for the design of contemporary craniological studies. METHODS: A series of 842 skulls was examined. The condition of cranial sutures was assessed, with identification of craniosynostosis and associated abnormal cranial forms, as well as asymmetry of the neurocranium and its relationship to craniosynostosis. For craniometric determination of neurocranial shape, longitudinal (Martin 1), transverse (Martin 8), and vertical (Martin 17) diameters were measured. The estimated cranial cavity volume was calculated, along with the transverse–longitudinal (cranial), height–length, and height–breadth indices. RESULTS: Of the examined series, 678 skulls were classified as normal, with no deformations, asymmetry, or developmental anomalies. The majority of skulls were brachycranial or mesocranial based on the cranial index (55.8% and 39.2%, respectively); hypsicranial and orthocranial based on the height–length index (46.5% and 44.1%, respectively); and tapeinocranial and metriocranial based on the height–breadth index (44.4% and 47.9%, respectively). Deformations were observed in 164 skulls, which were divided into three groups: skulls with premature closure of one or more cranial vault sutures (2.6%); asymmetric skulls without signs of premature synostosis (16.1%); and skulls combining abnormal craniosynostosis with asymmetry (1.2%). The first group included two subgroups: skulls with sagittal craniosynostosis (scaphocephaly) and skulls with combined premature coronal and sagittal synostosis (oxycephaly). Scaphocephalic skulls (1.1%) were pathologically elongated and narrow, often with a saddle-shaped cranial vault deformity. In contrast, oxycephalic skulls were short with high height–length indices. For such skulls, we propose the term “pathological hypsibrachycrany.” In plagiocephaly (cranial asymmetry), the occipital, parietal, and frontal regions were shifted in opposite directions, with left-sided asymmetry more common (58.5%). CONCLUSION: The distribution of normal skulls by cranial index confirms the evolutionary trend toward brachycephalization. Dolichocranial, chamaecranial, and acrocranial skulls are the least common forms ( 10%). Premature suture closure does not always lead to marked cranial deformities. This work provides detailed characteristics of deformed skulls and highlights situations in which standard indices may be inappropriate. Craniometric measurements should be performed only after cranioscopic evaluation for craniosynostosis and asymmetry.

AI snapshot

Written from the paper’s full text.

TL;DR

This craniological study of 842 adult skulls from the Dolgo-Saburov collection found that most non-deformed neurocrania were brachycranic and that premature suture closure did not always produce classic deformation. It argues that cranioscopic evaluation must precede and accompany craniometric indices when classifying deformed skulls.

Key findings

  • Of 842 skulls, 678 were classified as normal and 164 as deformed. Normal skulls by transverse-longitudinal index were brachycranic 55.8%, mesocranic 39.2%, and dolichocranic 5.0%; by height-longitudinal index, hypsicranic 46.5%, orthocranic 44.1%, and chamecranic 9.4%; by height-transverse index, metricocranic 47.9%, tapeinocranic 44.4%, and acrocranic 7.7%. Among brachycrania, 23.8% were large or very large, including hyperbrachycrania 21.4% and ultrabrachycrania 2.4%.
  • Deformed groups included premature synostosis of one or more vault sutures in 2.6%, asymmetric skulls without synostosis in 15.4% (130 skulls; the abstract reports 16.1%), and combined synostosis with asymmetry in 1.2%. Sagittal synostosis occurred in 16 skulls (1.9%), but only 9 (1.1%) were scaphocranic; 4 were mesocranic and 3 brachycranic. Combined coronal and sagittal synostosis occurred in 7 skulls (0.83%), mostly oxycranic/hypsibrachycranic.
  • Scaphocrania had mean longitudinal diameter 190.9±5.8 mm, transverse 130.1±4.2 mm, height 131.7±5.2 mm, and estimated cavity volume 1404 mm³. Hypsibrachycranic oxycrania had mean longitudinal 170.5±5.4 mm, transverse 139.7±2.5 mm, height 134.3±5.2 mm, and volume 1387.5 mm³.
  • Plagiocrania numbered 130 skulls (15.4%), with left-sided asymmetry in 58.5% and right-sided in 41.5%; among them 74.6% were brachycranic and 25.4% mesocranic. Asymmetric brachycrania had mean diameters of 172.0±4.1, 143.6±3.9, and 131.4±4.7 mm, with volume 1390.0 mm³; asymmetric mesocrania had 180.0±7.0, 139.8±4.6, and 132.5±1.7 mm, with volume 1413.8 mm³.

Methods

  • Descriptive observational cross-sectional craniological study of 842 skulls from the B.A. Dolgo-Saburov collection at the Military Medical Academy; 668 were male and 174 female, with 678 non-deformed skulls (531 male, 147 female).
  • Cranioscopic assessment in vertical, occipital, lateral, and basal norms recorded suture status, premature synostosis, asymmetry, and nonconstant bones/sutures; shape was classified using G. Sergi and Speransky/Zaichenko schemes. Craniometric measurements included Martin 1 longitudinal, Martin 8 transverse, and Martin 17 height diameters with a 1-mm sliding caliper; transverse-longitudinal, height-longitudinal, and height-transverse indices were calculated using Martin/Speransky gradations, and Pearson formulas estimated cranial cavity volume.
  • Statistical analysis used descriptive and variation statistics (mean and standard error), Shapiro-Wilk normality testing, Student t-test for independent samples or Mann-Whitney U test when distributions were non-normal, with significance at p≤0.05.

Limitations

  • The paper states that existing classifications of cranial deformation are imperfect and need refinement, that weak asymmetry requires more objective metric assessment, and that craniometric indices alone cannot objectively separate deformed skulls because they only express ratios of linear dimensions.
  • The paper states that collection formation during World War II, evacuation, and the postwar period prevented comprehensive assessment and distribution of all skulls by accepted anthropological and craniological indices.
  • Evident from the text: the sample comes from a single museum collection, is predominantly male and described as mainly Eurasian-race, and is cross-sectional; the abstract and the results/conclusion/table disagree on the frequency of asymmetric skulls without synostosis (16.1% vs 15.4%).

Model-written summary. Check it against the paper before relying on it.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.17816/morph.677566

Cites

11 of 11 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Nothing to recompute.

Claims the paper makes

3 of 19 cited sources checked · 0 supported · 1 flagged · accuracy not yet measured

  • Interpretationcitation

    Premature closure of the sagittal suture is not a sufficient condition for the formation of a scaphocran.

    “Можно полагать, что преждевременное зарастание сагиттального шва не является достаточным условием для формирования скафокрана [20].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [20] source

      The section “Virchow’s law and bone-plate theory” says that premature sagittal-suture fusion explains the elongated, narrow scaphocephalic shape. It says this explanation does not account for subtler features, such as occipital constriction—not that fusion is insufficient for the scaphocephalic shape itself. Page numbers were not available in our copy. (LLM, conf=0.72)

      Checked by a reasoning model — may be wrong.

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
  • Findingown data

    By transverse-longitudinal index, 34 normal skulls (5.0%) were dolichocranic.

    “При распределении по ППрУ были получены следующие данные: 378 черепов (55,8%) имеют брахикранную конфигурацию мозгового отдела («короткоголовые»), 266 (39,2%) -мезокранную (промежуточная форма), 34 (5,0%) -долихокранную («длинноголовые»).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingown data

    By transverse-longitudinal index, 378 normal skulls (55.8%) were brachycranic.

    “При распределении по ППрУ были получены следующие данные: 378 черепов (55,8%) имеют брахикранную конфигурацию мозгового отдела («короткоголовые»), 266 (39,2%) -мезокранную (промежуточная форма), 34 (5,0%) -долихокранную («длинноголовые»).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingown data

    By height-breadth index, 306 normal skulls (44.4%) were tapeinocranic.

    “По ВПУ черепа распределили следующим образом: 306 черепов (44,4%) расценены как тапейнокраны (низкие черепа), 330 (47,9%) -как метриокраны (промежуточная форма), 52 черепа (7,7%) -как акрокраны (высокие черепа).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingown data

    By height-length index, 64 normal skulls (9.4%) were chamae cranic.

    “По ВПрУ распределение на формы оказалось следующим: 315 черепов (46,5%) -гипсикраны (высокие), 299 (44,1%) -ортокраны (промежуточная форма), 64 черепа (9,4%) -хамекраны (низкие).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims. 42
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 7
  • The quote only partly states this claim. 1

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Cranioscopic features allow reliable (95% probability) sex determination of an unknown skull in 93% of cases, whereas craniometric methods reach only 75-80%.

    “особенности рельефа позволяют при помощи единственной краниоскопической оценки достоверно (с вероятностью 95%) установить пол неизвестного черепа в 93% случаев, в то время как эффективность краниометрических методик едва ли достигает 75-80% [8-10].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [8] Zvyaghin VN. Methods for cranioscopic sex determination in humans. Forensic Medical Expertise. 1983;26(3):15–17. (In Russ.)

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites [9] Gaivoronsky IV, Fandeyeva OM, Nichiporuk GI, Gaivoronskaya MG. Comparative characteristics of the methods for determining the somatic sex of an adult person with the use of a skull. Bulletin of the Russian Military Medical Academy. 2018;3(63):207–213. EDN: SWUAHX source

      The Abstract reports 93.5% effectiveness for Zvyagin’s cranioscopic method, and 75–80% sex determination using craniometric methods alone according to Pashkova. It does not specify a 95% probability for the cranioscopic result, and the 93.5% figure applies to a method assessing 40 diagnostic features, not cranioscopic features generally. (LLM, conf=0.88)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
    • cites [10] Solovyev KV, Magdich AE, Kirillova MP. Comparative effectiveness of the national methods of sex determination based on an adult’s skull. Russian Military Medical Academy Reports. 2021;40(S1-3):304–308. EDN: EPHUJG

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Craniosynostosis is considered one cause of cerebral skull deformations, leading to abnormal forms in 1 in 1800-2200 newborns worldwide.

    “Одной из причин их возникновения считается краниосиностоз -преждевременное зарастание одного или нескольких швов крыши черепа, что приводит к появлению аномальных форм у 1 из 1800-2200 новорождённых по всему миру [15, 16].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [15] Kabbani H, Raghuveer TS. Craniosynostosis. Am Fam Physician. 2004;69(12):2863–2870.
    • cites [16] source

      The Abstract (p. 36) defines craniosynostosis as early fusion of one or more cranial sutures causing craniofacial abnormalities. It gives a worldwide frequency of 1 in 2,500 births, not 1 in 1,800–2,200. (LLM, conf=0.91)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • The quote only partly states this claim.

    Findingown data

    Of the 842 skulls in the studied series, 678 were classified as normal, without deformations, asymmetry, or developmental anomalies.

    “В результате комплексного краниологического анализа было отобрано 678 целых черепов без признаков механических повреждений, не имеющих деформаций, асимметрии и аномалий развития.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The deformed skulls were divided into three groups: premature closure of one or more vault sutures (2.6%), asymmetric skulls without premature synostosis (16.1%), and skulls combining abnormal craniosynostosis with asymmetry (1.2%).

    “164 черепа имели деформации, такие экземпляры разделили на 3 группы: черепа с преждевременным закрытием одного или нескольких швов свода (2,6%); асимметричные черепа без признаков преждевременного синостозирования (16,1%); черепа, сочетающие аномальное краниосиностозирование с асимметрией (1,2%).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    This mesocranic oxycranic skull is sharp or conical: in lateral norm it resembles a triangle, and in frontal norm it has an extremely pronounced lophocranic form resembling a gable roof.

    “Это, действительно, «острый» или конический череп: при краниоскопической оценке в боковой норме он напоминает треугольник, во фронтальной норме имеет крайне выраженную лофокранную форму (напоминает «двухскатную крышу»).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    Estimated cranial cavity volume in scaphocrania averaged 1404 mm3, within the normal average range of 1350-1400 mm3.

    “Предположительный объём полости мозгового черепа, рассчитанный по формуле Пирсона, у скафокранов в среднем составляет 1404 мм 3 , что укладывается в диапазон нормальных средних значений 1350-1400 мм 3 [2].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [2] Alekseev VP, Debets GF. Craniometry. Methods of anthropological research. Moscow: Izdatel’stvo «Nauka»; 1964. (In Russ.) Available at: http://www.e-heritage.ru/Book/10089202

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Mean diameters in the brachycranic sagittal synostosis group were longitudinal 180.0±2.7 mm, transverse 145.6±1.6 mm, and height 136.0±4.0 mm.

    “Средние значения их диаметров мозгового черепа следующие: продольный -(180,0±2,7) мм, поперечный -(145,6±1,6) мм, высотный -(136,0±4,0) мм.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Scaphocranic skulls are very long and relatively low.

    “Это весьма длинные и относительно низкие черепа (рис.3, а).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    Along the prematurely obliterated vault sutures (coronal and sagittal) in this skull, pronounced elevations are observed; both squamous sutures were also prematurely synostosed.

    “По ходу преждевременно облитерированных швов крыши черепа (венечного и сагиттального) наблюдаются выраженные возвышения, стоит отметить, что на этом черепе также преждевременно синостозировались оба чешуйчатых шва.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    All skulls with combined premature synostosis of the coronal and sagittal sutures were defined as oxycrania, but this is not a homogeneous group.

    “Все черепа с сочетанным преждевременным синостозированием венечного и сагиттального швов были определены нами как оксикраны, но это отнюдь не однородная группа.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    In the subgroup of asymmetric skulls with premature sagittal synostosis, no dolichocranic skull was found; mesocranic and brachycranic occurred with equal frequency.

    “В подгруппе асимметричных черепов с преждевременным синостозом сагиттального шва не было обнаружено ни одного долихокрана (рис.6, с), мезокраны и даже брахикраны встречались с одинаковой частотой.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    On brachycranic skulls, there was no enhancement of external bone relief or narrowing behind the coronal suture, so they could not be assigned to scaphocrania or clino crania.

    “На черепах брахикранов усиления наружного рельефа костей, сужения позади венечного шва отмечено не было, что не позволяет отнести их ни к скафокранам, ни к клинокранам.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    Scaphocephalic skulls do not have a sloping, flat, or monkey-like forehead; instead the forehead is high and vertical.

    “Для скафоцефалов не характерен покатый, пологий или «обезьяний» лоб (хотя все такие черепа принадлежали мужчинам), наоборот, его можно характеризовать как высокий и отвесный.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The following combinations were found: premature sagittal synostosis and asymmetry (6 skulls); premature sagittal and coronal closure with asymmetry (2); premature hemisynostosis of coronal and sagittal sutures with left asymmetry (1); combined synostosis of parts of coronal, sagittal, and squamous sutures with asymmetry (2).

    “Были обнаружены следующие сочетания: преждевременный синостоз сагиттального шва и асимметрия (6 черепов); преждевременное зарастание сагиттального и венечного швов в сочетании с асимметрией (2 экземпляра); преждевременное гемисиностозирование венечного и сагиттального швов с левосторонней асимметрией (1 череп); сочетанное синостозирование участков венечного, сагиттального и чешуйчатого швов с асим”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    In the dolichocranic group, no similar association was found; a skull long by transverse-longitudinal index may be equally likely low or high by height-length and height-breadth indices.

    “Подобных закономерностей в группе долихокранов не обнаружено: череп, расценённый как длинный по значению ППрУ, может быть с равной вероятностью низким или высоким как по ВПрУ, так и по ВПУ.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Among 130 oblique skulls, 97 (74.6%) had a brachycranic neurocranium by transverse-longitudinal index; among them were 2 ultrabrachycrania and 10 hyperbrachycrania.

    “Среди 130 скошенных черепов чаще всего [97 экземпляров (74,6%)] встречается брахикранная форма мозгового черепа (согласно ППрУ), среди них также было обнаружено 2 ультрабрахикрана и 10 гипербрахикранов.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Mean diameters in the mesocranic sagittal synostosis group were longitudinal 179.7±3.9 mm, transverse 138.2±2.4 mm, and height 132.0±2.5 mm.

    “Средние значения диаметров мозгового черепа в этой группе составляют: продольный -(179,7±3,9) мм, поперечный -(138,2±2,4) мм, высотный -(132,0±2,5) мм.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Most oxycrania (6) were brachycranic by transverse-longitudinal index (80.6-83.9) and hypsicranic by height-length index (75.7-86.6).

    “Большая часть черепов (6) была расценена по ППрУ как брахикраны (80,6-83,9), а по ВПрУ -как гипсикраны (75,7-86,6).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    By transverse-longitudinal index, scaphocrania were dolichocranic (PPrU 62.5-74.6), including 4 dolichocranic (70.5-74.6), 2 hyperdolichocranic (67.0 and 67.5), and 3 ultradolichocranic (62.5-64.2).

    “По поперечно-продольному указателю скафокраны были отнесены к долихокранам (ППрУ 62,5-74,6), причём 4 черепа были расценены как собственно долихокраны (ППрУ 70,5-74,6), 2 черепа -как гипердолихокраны (ППрУ 67,0 и 67,5), 3 черепа -как ультрадолихокраны (ППрУ 62,5-64,2).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    Oxycrania are short skulls with high height-length index values.

    “Оксикраны -напротив, короткие черепа с высокими значениями ВПрУ.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Scaphocrania (1.1%) are pathologically elongated, narrow skulls, often with saddle deformation of the vault.

    “Скафокраны (1,1%) -это патологически вытянутые в длину, узкие черепа, часто имеющие седловидную деформацию свода черепа.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    In 7 skulls, combined synostosis of the coronal and sagittal sutures was found (0.83%), and in 2 skulls premature closure of these sutures was combined with pronounced asymmetry.

    “На 7 черепах было обнаружено сочетанное синостозирование венечного и сагиттального швов (0,83%), а на 2 черепах преждевременное зарастание этих швов сочетается с выраженной асимметрией мозгового отдела.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    In two cases, estimated cranial volume was classified as small (1300.6 and 1294.1 mm3).

    “В двух случаях предположительный объём мозгового черепа был определен как «малый» (1300,6 и 1294,1 мм 3 ).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    In hypsibrachycranic oxycrania, superior nuchal lines were moderate, the external occipital protuberance was developed, and the infratemporal crest was weakly developed.

    “Верхние выйные линии выражены средне, наружный затылочный выступ развитый, подвисочный гребень развит слабо.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Mean dimensions of scaphocranic neurocrania were longitudinal 190.9±5.8 mm, transverse 130.1±4.2 mm, and height 131.7±5.2 mm.

    “Средние значения основных размеров мозгового черепа для скафокранов следующие: продольный диаметр -(190,9±5,8) мм, поперечный -(130,1±4,2) мм, высотный -(131,7±5,2) мм.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    Scaphocrania have a characteristic vault configuration: usually pentagonoid in superior norm, platycranic in facial norm, and scaphocranic in lateral norm.

    “Скафокраны имеют характерные особенности конфигурации свода: в верхней норме они, как правило, пентагоноиды, в лицевой норме -платикраны, а в боковой норме -скафокраны.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    In ultra- and hyperdolichocranic groups, skulls showed extremely pronounced ridge-like superior nuchal lines and a developed beak-like external occipital protuberance.

    “В группах ультра-и гипердолихокранов на черепах отмечались крайне выраженные, валикообразные верхние выйные линии и развитый, клювовидный наружный затылочный выступ.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    In the oxycrania group, one skull was assessed as mesocranic and most precisely corresponds to the term oxycran.

    “Необходимо отметить, что в группе оксикранов один череп был оценен как мезокран, именно он наиболее точно соответствует термину «оксикран» (рис.4, b)”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Among brachycranes, no case of isolated coronal suture closure was observed; combined premature closure of both coronal and sagittal sutures was observed.

    “В нашем исследовании у брахикранов ни в одном случае не было отмечено изолированного зарастания венечного шва, а наблюдалось сочетанное преждевременное зарастание как венечного, так и сагиттального швов.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The studied series comprised 842 skulls, of which 678 had no deformations and 164 were deformed.

    “Всего черепов в исследуемой серии 842 Паспортизированные мужские 668 Паспортизированные женские 174 Черепа без деформаций 678 Мужские 531 Женские 147 Деформированные черепа 164”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    In plagio crania, the occipital, parietal, and frontal parts are displaced in opposite directions, and left-sided asymmetry was more common (58.5%).

    “При плагиокрании (асимметрии черепа) затылочная, теменная и лобная части смещены в противоположные стороны, при этом чаще встречалась левосторонняя асимметрия (58,5%).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Mean cranial capacity of oblique brachycranic skulls was 1390.0 mm3 and of mesocranic skulls 1413.8 mm3, both average.

    “Вместимость скошенных черепов брахикранной формы в среднем составила 1390,0 мм 3 , мезокранной формы -1413,8 мм 3 , оба значения относятся к категории средних размеров.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    In brachycranic asymmetric skulls, mean dimensions were longitudinal 172.0±4.1 mm (small), transverse 143.6±3.9 mm (average), and height 131.4±4.7 mm (small).

    “У брахикранов с асимметрией значения размеров составили: продольный диаметр -(172,0±4,1) мм (категория малых размеров), поперечный диаметр -(143,6±3,9) мм (средние размеры), и высотный диаметр Морфология / Morphology Оригинальные исследования / Original Study Articles DOI: https://doi.org/10.17816/morph.677566-диаметры (131,4±4,7) мм (малые размеры).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Integrated neurocranial forms can be identified: high and short skulls as acrohypsicrania, and low and elongated skulls as chamae tapeinocrania.

    “На основании этих данных можно выделить следующие интегрированные формы мозгового черепа: 1) высокие и короткие черепа -акрогипсикраны; 2) низкие и вытянутые черепахаметапейнокраны.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Brachycephalization is a process of head rounding characteristic of modern humans and a distinctive feature of Homo sapiens.

    “Брахикефализация -процесс округления головы, характерна для современного человека и даже является отличительной чертой вида Homo sapiens [11-13].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [11] Bunak VV, Nesturkh MF, Roginskii YaYa. Anthropology: A short course. Moscow: Gosudarstvennoe uchebno-pedagogicheskoe izdatel’stvo Narkomprosa RSFSR; 1941. (In Russ.)

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites [12] Ginzburg VV. Fundamentals of anthropology for physicians. Leningrad: Gosudarstvennoe izdatel’stvo meditsinskoi literatury; 1963. (In Russ.)

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites [13] Pamazanau M. Background and preliminary results of the study variabilities in time of the shape of the human skull (by the example of the belarusian population, the end of the 19th - the beginning of the 21st century). Actual issues of anthropology. 2022;(17):286–303. EDN: EQTSTQ

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    Sagittal craniosynostosis can lead not only to a narrow elongated neurocranial form (scaphocrania) but also to pronounced asymmetric deformation of the parietal region.

    “Следовательно, краниосиностоз сагиттального шва может приводить не только к формированию узкой и вытянутой формы мозгового черепа (скафокрании), но и к выраженной асимметричной деформации теменной области мозгового черепа в”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    Dolichocranic, chamae cranic, and acrocranic forms can be considered the least common (less than 10%).

    “Такие формы черепа как долихокранная, хамекранная и акрокранная можно считать наименее распространёнными (менее 10%).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisenone given

    The Pearson (1926) formulas are the most commonly used and reliable for estimating cranial cavity volume.

    “Используя наиболее употребительные и достоверные формулы K. Pearson (1926), определяли предположительный объём (вместимость) полости черепа с учётом полового диморфизма:”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites K. Pearson (1926)

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Standard craniometric indices capture only the percentage ratio of one linear dimension to another and are insufficient for an integrated assessment of neurocranium shape.

    “Хотя эти указатели и позволяют сгруппировать черепа по форме, всё же они учитывают лишь процентное отношение одного линейного размера к другому, чего явно недостаточно для интегративной оценки формы мозгового черепа в целом, с учётом взаимосвязей между значениями стандартных краниометрических индексов.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [2] Alekseev VP, Debets GF. Craniometry. Methods of anthropological research. Moscow: Izdatel’stvo «Nauka»; 1964. (In Russ.) Available at: http://www.e-heritage.ru/Book/10089202

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites [3] Speranskii VS, Zaichenko AI. Shape and architecture of the skull. Moscow: Meditsina; 1980. (In Russ.)

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    Brachycranes (short and wide skulls) not only fall within the normal range but are the predominant group.

    “Брахикраны (короткие и широкие черепа) не только входят в диапазон нормы, но и являются преобладающей группой.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    According to V.N. Zvyagin, scaphocranic deformation occurs equally often in Russian men and women (0.8% and 0.8%).

    “По наблюдениям В.Н.Звягина [4], исследовавшего серию из 864 русских черепов, данная деформация встречается у русских мужчин и женщин одинаково часто (0,8% и 0,8%) [4].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [4] Zvyaghin VN. Premature obliteration of cranial sutures: the medico-legal aspect. Forensic Medical Expertise. 1976;19(3):18–23. (In Russ.)

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Existing classifications of skull deformations are imperfect and require refinement and further targeted craniological studies.

    “Такимобразом,существующие классификации деформаций черепа несовершенны, требуют доработки и дальнейших прицельных краниологических исследований.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Asymmetric skulls by all indexes will be regarded as normal brachycranes or mesocranes, which can lead the researcher to erroneous data.

    “Асимметричные черепа по всем указателям будут расценены как нормальные брахикраны или мезокраны, что может привести исследователя к ошибочным данным.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    The term 'oxycephalia' (sharp, pointed, conical skull) is justified, but such skulls are extremely rare and apparently are a consequence of Apert syndrome.

    “Мы считаем, что термин «oxycephalia», трактуемый как острый, заострённый, конический череп оправдан, но такие черепа встречаются крайне редко и по всей видимости являются следствием синдрома Аперта [15,22].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [15] Kabbani H, Raghuveer TS. Craniosynostosis. Am Fam Physician. 2004;69(12):2863–2870.

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites [22] Yasonov SA, Lopatin AV. Plagiocephaly: The classification for asymmetrical scull deformation of synostotic origin. Annals of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery. 2016;(2):72–84. EDN: WXQMZL

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Cranioscopic studies are not only relevant but play a key role in assessing deformed skulls.

    “Краниоскопические исследования не только актуальны, но играют ключевую роль при оценке деформированных черепов.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
45 of 45

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The Dolgo-Saburov collection is representative of the adult Eurasian population for assessing normal cranial form and brachycephalization.

    “В коллекции преимущественно представлены черепа людей евразийской расы, согласно классификации Я.Я.Рогинского и М.Г.Левина.”
    “Материалом для данной работы послужила серия из 842 черепов, входящих в состав научной краниологической коллекции профессора Бориса Алексеевича Долго-Сабурова [1].”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The sex distribution of the normal sample does not bias the distribution of normal neurocranial forms.

    “Среди этих черепов 531 принадлежал мужчинам, 147 -женщинам.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Visual cranioscopic assessment reliably identifies premature synostosis and pronounced asymmetry.

    “Краниоскопическая диагностика выраженной степени асимметрии мозгового отдела черепа не вызывает трудностей, в то время как слабая степень асимметрии, на наш взгляд, нуждается в более объективной метрической веерной оценке.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The etiopathogenesis of cerebral skull deformations is not fully clarified.

    “Этиопатогенез деформаций мозгового черепа до настоящего времени окончательно не выяснен.”
4 of 4

Self-check

Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.

Each contradiction between two passages listed here was confirmed by an independent check.

  • Conclusion changes the brachycranial proportion

    Minor

    The conclusion reports 58.8% brachycrania, whereas the results report 55.8% for the same undeformed skulls.

  • Reported volume is below the table minimum

    Minor

    The text gives a brachycranial oxycranium a volume of 1294.1, but Table 4 sets the minimum for brachycrania in that group at 1301.

  • Scaphocrane height-index descriptions conflict

    Minor

    The height-to-length index is said to classify scaphocrania as low or intermediate, but the next statement says that same index incorrectly classifies them as high.

  • Reported mean falls outside the stated normal range

    Minor

    A mean of 1404 is above the stated upper limit of 1400, although the text says it falls within that range.

4 of 4

Cites

Flagged first, then by citations

Research works printed but not linked: 4

  1. Gaivoronsky IV, Solovyov KV. Craniological collections of the Department of normal anatomy of the Military Medical Academy-The national treasure and unique base for scientific research. Saratov Journal of Medical Scientific Research. 2022;18(4):596–603. EDN: FUFTZY
  2. Zvyaghin VN. Premature obliteration of cranial sutures: the medico-legal aspect. Forensic Medical Expertise. 1976;19(3):18–23. (In Russ.)
  3. Zvyaghin VN. Methods for cranioscopic sex determination in humans. Forensic Medical Expertise. 1983;26(3):15–17. (In Russ.)
  4. Yasonov SA, Lopatin AV. Plagiocephaly: The classification for asymmetrical scull deformation of synostotic origin. Annals of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery. 2016;(2):72–84. EDN: WXQMZL

Cited by

Sorted by citations

Related

Authors
Gaivoronsky, I. V., Solovyev, K. V., & Kirillova, M. P.
Affiliations
  • St Petersburg University (RU)
  • S. M. Kirov Military Medical Academy (RU)
ORCID
Venue
Morphology
Publisher
ECO-Vector LLC
Published
2025-08-13
Volume
163
Issue
4
Pages
339-352
ISSN
  • 1026-3543 (ISSN-L)
  • 2949-2556
DOI
10.17816/morph.677566
OpenAlex
W4413128658
Cited by
2
References
10
Citations by year
2026: 2
FWCI
1.04
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
eco-vector.com/for_authors.php#07 (unspecified)
Locations
Morphology (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Genetics › Craniofacial Disorders and Treatments
  • Social Sciences › Arts and Humanities › Archeology › Forensic Anthropology and Bioarchaeology Studies
  • Physical Sciences › Mathematics › Geometry and Topology › Morphological variations and asymmetry
Keywords
craniosynostosis, cranial deformity, neurocranium, craniometry, cranioscopy, scaphocephaly, oxycephaly, cranial asymmetry, cranial index, skull morphology, skull collection

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Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.

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