Photogrammetric analysis of nasofacial angle among the Urhobo subjects

Abstract

Background: All known anthropometric angles are evidently characterized by the feature of structural and functional variation according to gender, ethnic, and ecological influences. Knowledge of craniometric variation in the nasofacial angle among the Urhobo subjects appears limited, prompting the conduct of this study. Aim: The aim of the current anthropometric study was to evaluate a sample population of Urhobo subjects, by photogrammetric techniques, to establish the normal value of their nasofacial angle, and its associated variation. Materials and Methods: The noninvasive technique of angular photogrammetry was adopted for this investigation. This method incorporates the use of angular analysis of standardized left lateral facial cephalograms of 1000 Urhobo subjects, between 18 and 60 years of age. Selected craniofacial landmarks include the glabella, nasion, and nasal dorsum. Results: Descriptive analysis of data obtained from sampled Urhobo subjects revealed a mean nasofacial angle of 39.81° ± 4.81° and 39.45° ± 4.04° for males and females, respectively. Obtained means were not gender-specific on t- test analysis. Conclusion: While research findings did not demonstrate statistically significant gender differences, the obtained results would still have beneficial forensic and archaeological applications in reaching conclusions regarding subject identity, particularly in scientific expeditions in the politically volatile study area.