Multilevel approach to understanding of Hyperostosis frontalis interna

Hyperostosis frontalis interna (HFI) is the overgrowth of bony tissue on the inner plate of the frontal bone. HFI was rarity in populations prior the 19th century, while in modern era HFI was reported to appear with a considerable frequency, regardless of geographical location of the population. Having in mind that females manifest significantly higher prevalence of HFI compared to males, with the peak incidence in postmenopausal women, all the presumptions of its etiology, while still ambiguous, are mainly based on alteration of sex steroids and its impact on adult bone growth. Latest research suggested that intrusive bone growth in patients with HFI may cause various neurological symptoms such as headache. There for, this condition should not be overlook in the routine clinical practice. Additionally, in the anthropological context and analysis of the skeletal remains, the complex differential diagnosis of HFI should not be neglected.