Anthropometric analysis of the nose of the Ejagham ethnic group in Cross River State, Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: The normal nose morphology varies in shape and size as a result of ethnic, gender, and environmental influences therefore nasal anthropometry can be employed in classifying the race and sex of the individual whose identity is unknown. This study is aimed at deriving normal standard values for the following nasal anthropometric parameters: Nose height (NH), Nose width (NW), Nose length (NL), and Nasal index (NI) across age and sex for the Ejagham ethnic group in Cross River state of South-Nigeria. Materials and Methods: One hundred subjects (50 males and 50 females) aged 21-45 years were recruited for this study, they were further divided into five age sub-groups (21-25, 26-30, 31-35, 36-40, and 41-45 years) to observe the variation of each parameter with advancing age and sexual dimorphism. Results: Sexual dimorphism was noted ( P P 85. Conclusion: This study clearly confirms that anthropometric variation exists based on sex. These measurements in healthy subjects are useful for dysmorphologist in the early identification of some dysmorphic syndromes like cleft-lip associated with nose disorders. The data generated can also provide useful information to the rhinoplastic surgeon especially when nasal reconstruction is sort for by an individual who desire to change his nasal morphology to that of the Ejagham ethnic group of Cross River State.