Hemangiomas are defined as benign tumors of newly formed blood vessels. Vertebral hemangiomas (VH) are the most common form of benign tumors in the vertebral column, appearing in 10-12% of the population. Nevertheless, in the litterature, data regarding demographic trends in the occurrence of VH is lacking and occasionaly even contradictory, mostly due to varying classification standards and to the use of undersized samples. Consequently, the pathophysiology and etiology of these lesions have yet to be satisfactorily elucidated. Furthermore, to the extent of our knowldege, the function these lesions may serve, if any, from an evolutionary viewpoint, have not yet been addressed. Therefore, the main purpose of this study is to characterize the VH phenomenon demographically (e.g., sex, age) and anatomically (e.g. frequencies along the spine, location in the vertebral body), in order to reveal its pathophysiology (for example by revealing any correlation with other spinal pathologies, elevated blood pressure and/or a high BMI index). Moreover, we aim to study the presence of VH in light of human evolution (erect posture, bipedalism) and modern lifestyle.

Hyperostosis Frontalis Interna (HFI)

Hyperostosis Frontalis Interna - Demography, Etiology and Pathophysiology

"Hyperostosis frontalis Interna" (HFI) is an overgrowth of bony tissue on the inner plate of the frontal bone of the calvaria. HFI has two forms: as an independent pathology or as a part of a more general syndrome (e.g., Morgagni- Stewart-Morel syndrome). Even though HFI as independent pathology has been described in the literature before, its etiology and formation remains uncertain. Furthermore, HFI has been shown to be more common and severe in females than in males.
The aims of the current study are:

a. to characterize the HFI pathology demographically and anatomically.

b. to reveal HFI possible etiology.

c. to examine HFI patho-physiology.