Nasal index: A cross sectional study among South Indian population

Abstract

Introduction: Anthropometry is the measurement of human body parts and is used in anthropology for classifying people into various races and ethnicity. Nasal index serves as an important anthropometric tool and also very useful in reconstructive surgeries of nose along with nasal height and breadth. Aim: To study the values of the nasal height, nasal breadth and nasal Index in South Indian population. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in Vinayaka Missions Medical College, Karaikal including volunteers aged between 17-23 years and of both sexes. Nasal height and breadth were measured using Digital Vernier Caliper. Nasal index was calculated and the results were statistically analysed. Results: The present study showed the mean height and breadth of nose in males were 55.75 mm and 37.26 mm and for females were 53.89 mm and 34.59 mm. Nasal index was found to be 67.0 for males and for 64.8 females. And moreover the most common nasal type was found to be Leptorrhine followed by Mesorrhine type. Conclusion: The data obtained from the present study will be useful when repairing the nose and also in forensic investigation. Keywords: Nasal height, Nasal breadth, Nasal index, Leptorrhine, Mesorrhine.