Craniometric Points Research Articles

Morphometric Tomographic Analysis of the Head of the Tridactyl Humanoid Specimen from Nasca-Peru

Objective: To report the tomographic and morphometric analysis of the head of the tridactyl humanoid specimen from Nazca, Peru. Method: A qualitative case study approach. RadiAnt DICOM Viewer software version 4.2.1 was used to analyze lengths, diameters, and volume in tomographic images of the head. The morphological biometric analysis applied anthropometric methods using some craniometric points and cephalometric angles. Results and Discussion: As a result, it is reported that there are atypical, strange, and exceptional morphometric imaging features in the cephalic segment of specimen M01. The cephalometric analysis based on the ANB angle revealed a class II skeletal pattern, and according to the Bjorl-Jarabak analysis, it has a convex facial profile with hypodivergent growth (brachyfacial). The patient also has maxillary biprotrusion, severe protrusion of upper and lower incisors, loss of teeth, presence of root remnants, severe dental abrasion, non-assessable canine class, absence of three third molars and ocular protrusion. Based on craniometric points, the SNA angle (Sella, Nasion and Point A) and the SNB angle (Sella, Nasion and Point B) maxillary protrusion and mandibular protrusion were diagnosed. Implications of the research: It is concluded that the combination of uncommon morpho-anatomical features in the maxillofacial and cranial massif do not correspond to a human craniofacial biotype, but could be considered as suggestive findings of morpho-anatomical features typical of a hominid species similar to humans. Originality/Value: The expansion of biometric and morphoanatomical data of the head reinforces the hypothesis that morphologically it would be a non-human hybrid species.

CRANIOTOPOGRAPHIC FEATURES OF THE TRANSVERSE SINUSES OF THE DURA MATER OF THE BRAIN OF THE CRANIAL VAULT OF MATURE PEOPLE

The goal of our research is the description of craniotopographic features of the transverse sinuses of the dura mater.
 The aim and the methods of research. In order to achieve the goal, a set of methods for morphological studies was developed: macro- and micropreparation of anatomical objects of the brain; cranio– the morphometry of veins, sinuses, and the cervian structures of the cephalic brain; preparation of corrosive (acrylic) ulcerative preparations of veins, sinuses of the dura mater and pervoric lesions of the head; injection technique; variational and statistical analysis of morphometric data; computer-graphic analysis. This study was conducted on 70 preparations of veins and sinuses of the dura mater of the brain.
 Results of the study and their discussion. Considering the above-mentioned facts, we established a craniotopographical projection of the transverse sinuses in relation to generally accepted craniotopographical planes and points. According to the data we have obtained, the venous collectors (transverse sinuses) studied by us have a certain projection analogy on the bones of the cranial vault and the corresponding correlations to the craniometric points, which can be used in medical craniology. In this regard, there is a natural range of individual anatomical variability in the parameters of the dura mater, which are described in people of mature age. The obtained data on the structure, shape, size and position of the venous collectors of the cranial vault (transverse sinuses) can be used in surgical interventions on the cerebrospinal fluid system, including the ventricles and cerebrospinal fluid pathways.
 Transverse sinuses, located on both sides of the skull in the horizontal plane, are of important practical importance from a neurosurgical point of view. In adults, fully formed right and left transverse sinuses are always noted, which perform an important transport function of carrying venous blood from the drain of the sinuses into the sigmoid sinus and internal jugular veins.
 The transverse sinuses of the posterolateral surface are adjacent to the inner surface of the parietal and occipital bones, which explains the frequent damage and injury to the collector in various skull injuries. In addition, these collectors must be taken into account during surgical access to various parts of the brain, including the lateral ventricles.
 Taking into account the above, it is possible to distinguish different areas of the accumulation of veins that flow into the transverse sinuses. The densest location of tributaries, branches and anastomoses is observed in the initial part of the collectors, near the drainage of the sinuses, due to the surface veins of the occipital lobe and the veins of the cerebellar tent. The second place of accumulation of venous vessels is noted in the area of the transition of the transverse sinuses into the sigmoid sinuses, where the superficial temporal and parietal veins are concentrated.
 Conclusions. The obtained results not only complement the known facts, but also more deeply reveal the principles of the craniotopographic structure of the transverse sinuses of the dura mater of the cranial vault of people of mature age.
 On the basis of the actual data obtained, the position is substantiated, according to which a kind of “vascular zone” in the middle part of the transverse sinuses is topographically distinguished, where, in our opinion, it is better to perform surgical interventions in neurosurgical practice.

Augmented Reality Registration System for Visualization of Skull Landmarks

BackgroundAugmented reality (AR) is an emerging technology in neurosurgery with the potential to become a strategic tool in the delivery of care and education for trainees. Advances in the technology have demonstrated promising use for improving visualization and spatial awareness of critical neuroanatomical structures. In this report, we employ a novel AR registration system for the visualization and targeting of skull landmarks. MethodsA markerless AR system was used to register 3D reconstructions of suture lines onto the head via a head mounted display. Participants were required to identify craniometric points with and without AR assistance. Targeting error was measured as the Euclidian distance between the user-defined location and the true craniometric point on the subjects’ head. ResultsAll participants successfully registered 3D reconstructions onto the subjects’ head. Targeting accuracy was significantly improved with AR (3.59 ± 1.29 mm) . Across all target points, AR increased accuracy by an average of 19.96 ± 3.80 mm. Post-test surveys revealed that participants felt the technology increased their confidence in identifying landmarks (4.6/5) and that the technology will be useful for clinical care (4.2/5). ConclusionsWhile several areas of improvement and innovation can further enhance the use of AR in neurosurgery, this report demonstrates the feasibility of a markerless headset-based AR system for visualizing craniometric points on the skull. As the technology continues to advance, AR is expected to play an increasingly significant role in neurosurgery, transforming how surgeries are performed and improving patient care.

Analysis of the Variations in the Morphology, Topography of the Pterion, and Their Implications in Neurosurgery: An Osteometric Study.

Objective Pterion is an "H" shaped formation of sutures located in the temporal fossa of the skull. It is an important anatomical landmark and a craniometric point. The thinness of the skull and its inner relation with the middle meningeal artery make this anatomical landmark clinically significant. Variations in the pterion are imperative, especially for neurosurgeons in order to have the most suitable craniometric point to be minimally invasive. Materials and Methods One hundred pterions were studied to report the variations in the type and location of the pterion. Murphy's classification was used to classify the pterion into four types on the basis of bone articulation-sphenoparietal, frontotemporal, stellate, and epipteric. Results All four types of pterions were observed, sphenoparietal being the most common. No significant gender difference was observed in terms of type and laterality of various pterions. The mean distance between the center of pterion to the superolateral point of zygomaticotemporal (PZT) suture and the anterolateral point of the frontozygomatic (PFZ) suture were 3.91 ± 3.79 cm and 3.68 ± 3.79 mm, respectively. Correlation analysis showed a strong positive relation between PZT and PFZ sutures. Conclusion Accurate data on the morphology and morphometry of bony anatomical points are crucial, while performing intracranial surgery using them as recognizable landmarks. The morphometric parameters may help in determining the soundness of the pterion as an identifiable landmark for performing interventions like burr hole and other neurosurgical procedures in this area.

Facial soft tissue thickness measurement method and relationship with BMI, age and sex

IntroductionFacial aesthetics results from the harmony of various components of the craniofacial region, a structure whose physiognomy and topography are determined by a set of hard and soft tissues. Few works in the literature have investigated the relationship between the variables of sex, age, BMI and soft tissue thickness and have considered how these variables may influence operative outcomes. The purpose of this study is to increase the pre-operative knowledge of the thickness of the soft tissues of the face through an analysis of their measurement conducted on cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and to investigate the impact that the variables of gender, age and BMI have on their determination. Materials and methodsFor this study 82 patients were recruited between January 2020 and January 2021 in the Department of Maxillofacial Surgery of the University of Naples “Federico II”. A descriptive analysis of the sample was carried out on the selected sample, calculating averages and standard deviations for the individual variables analyzed. ResultsBMI has a predominant role on some craniometric points while age and sex have a more marginal role. Our analysis shows that some points are affected by only one variable, BMI (G’ N’ PR’ ID’ SM’ GN’ PG’ MIO’ ACP’ GO’ ZY’ SC’ IC’ ECMS’ and MMB’); some points are affected by both BMI and gender (MP’ and MR’); while only two (RHI’ and MSO’) are influenced by all the three variables. ConclusionA priori knowledge through CBCT of the thickness of the soft tissues of the face and a comparison with the data we propose could provide the surgeon with advance notice of the characteristics of the tissues which she/he will encounter.

Sexual Dimorphism in Modern Javanese Crania: A Metric Approach

Establishing the biological profile of an unknown skeleton is one of forensic anthropologist main tasks; sex is one of them. In sexing the skulls, specific standard assessment designed for each population can improve the accuracy rate due to its population-specific traits. This study aims to describe the sexual dimorphism in contemporary Javanese crania while employing metric methods. The measurements of 50 male and 37 female crania were traditionally collected from nine craniometric points (i.e., g-op, eu-eu, ft-ft, zy-zy, n-pr, n-ns, apt-apt, go-go, n-gn) using calipers. This study found that out of nine measuring points, two (ft-ft, apt-apt) variables does not differ significantly between the male and female samples. This indicates that, in accordance with previous studies, ft-ft and apt-apt are not good predictors for sex. Future studies observing the non-metric sexual dimorphism on Javanese crania would serve as a meaningful aid in improving the accuracy and reliability when sexing Javanese crania.

Sexual Dimorphism in Modern Javanese Crania: A Metric Approach

Establishing the biological profile of an unknown skeleton is one of forensic anthropologist main tasks; sex is one of them. In sexing the skulls, specific standard assessment designed for each population can improve the accuracy rate due to its population-specific traits. This study aims to describe the sexual dimorphism in contemporary Javanese crania while employing metric methods. The measurements of 50 male and 37 female crania were traditionally collected from nine craniometric points (i.e., g-op, eu-eu, ft-ft, zy-zy, n-pr, n-ns, apt-apt, go-go, n-gn) using calipers. This study found that out of nine measuring points, two (ft-ft, apt-apt) variables does not differ significantly between the male and female samples. This indicates that, in accordance with previous studies, ft-ft and apt-apt are not good predictors for sex. Future studies observing the non-metric sexual dimorphism on Javanese crania would serve as a meaningful aid in improving the accuracy and reliability when sexing Javanese crania.

Reliability and Agreement in the Cerebellar Tonsil Tip Localization: Two Methods Using the McRae Line Concept in MRI

The cerebellar tonsil tip position (TP) is a common parameter used for the radiologic diagnosis of Chiari malformation type 1 (CM1). However, these paramedian structures are usually not properly visualized in the midsagittal section. Such mismatch may be a source of bias in TP measurements based on the McRae line (ML) traced between median craniometric points. This study aims to evaluate the intraoperator and interoperator reliability and agreement of 2 protocols to trace the ML in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the cerebellar tonsil tip localization, adding a 3-dimensional multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) approach to the midsagittal plane. Sixty-two T1-weighted head MRIs were obtained for 32 CM1 patients and 30 controls. Two operators independently applied 2 TP measurement protocols, one considering only the visualization of the sagittal plane and the other using MPR. The intraclass correlation coefficient was used to assess intraoperator and interoperator reliability, and the Bland-Altman graphical method was used to evaluate the agreement between the measurement protocols. The sagittal method significantly underestimated ML and tonsillar herniation when compared with the MPR method. The MPR method provided better reliability of the ML measurement when compared to the sagittal method, but this did not influence the reliability of the TP. Analysis of the Bland-Altman plot showed that the limits of agreement were close to acceptable for the ML, but not for measures of TP. The standardization of the LM tracing by the MPR method improves the acquisition of data regarding the position of the tonsils.

Pharyngeal Airspace Alterations after Using the Mandibular Advancement Device in the Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome.

Background: Mandibular Advancement Devices (MADs), inserted in non-surgical treatments for obstructive sleep apnea and hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS), are used intra-orally during the sleep period, with the aim of promoting mandibular protrusion. The aim of the study is to analyze the changes in the upper airway after the use of an MAD in the treatment of OSAHS. Methods: 60 patients diagnosed with OSAHS, as established by the Sleep Medicine Service, underwent treatment with the Silensor SL device at the Stomatology Service of the University Hospital Center of Coimbra, from January 2018 to January 2019. All patients completed two polysomnographies and two lateral teleradiographies: one before starting treatment (T0) and one after 1 year of treatment (T1). In the lateral teleradiography performed after one year of treatment, the patient had the MAD placed intra-orally. The linear measurements of the airspace proposed by the Arnett/Gunson FAB Surgery cephalometric analysis were measured at four craniometric points: A, MCI, B, Pog. Results: The results demonstrate an anteroposterior airway enlargement in two of the four points studied with the MAD placed intra-orally (B and Pog point). The greatest average increase is observed at point Pog (3 mm), followed by B (1 mm), and finally, point A (0.6 mm). Conclusions: This study proved that there is an improvement in anteroposterior measurements at various points in the upper airways after treatment with MAD.

Anthropometric aspects used to treat fractures of the naso-orbito-ethmoido-maxillary (NOEM) complex in cases of facial trauma

Abstract BACKGROUND. Fractures of the naso-orbito-ethmoido-maxillary (NOEM) complex are frequently acquired post-traumatic lesions, with both aesthetic and functional consequences, if the diagnosis is not promptly established and the surgical correction is delayed. OBJECTIVES. This study was conducted in order to facilitate the diagnosis of NOEM complex fractures by using anthropometric measures. The aim was to obtain normal mean values of the evaluated parameters from a lot of healthy volunteers. MATERIAL AND METHODS. The measurements were conducted on patient-specific three-dimensional models obtained from processing the CT scan images and building further stereolithographic models. 64 Caucasian patients were enrolled, with ages between 19 and 93 years, both female and male volunteers, without previous surgical history of the middle floor of the face. Measurements were performed between certain craniometric points (Nasion, Dacryon, Infraorbital foramen, Rhinion and Frontomalare orbitale) and a database was created. RESULTS. Although some expected variation arised, we have obtained normal-considered intervals for each of the defined and measured segments between the mentioned craniometric points. We find these measurements useful especially for elaborating a presurgical plan for the best outcome. CONCLUSION. Simple measurements could orient a fast diagnosis, could help establish a surgical plan, an optimal surgical timing by combining clinical and imaging data.

Anatomical Variations of Superior Sagittal Sinus and Tributary Bridging Veins: A Cadaveric Study.

Background and objectiveInjuries to the parasagittal cerebrovenous structures may lead to devastating complications. Being aware of the inherent anatomical heterogeneity in the region might lower the rate of undesirable outcomes. In this study, our goal was to characterize the superior sagittal sinus (SSS) positioning in relation to the midline and depict tributary bridging veins (BVs) distribution over the lateral surface of the cerebral hemispheres.MethodsWe performed anatomical dissections of the brain in 10 cadaveric specimens (five females and five males; median age: 52 years, range: 44-74 years). Measurements (in mm) of the SSS width and deviation of its lateral margin from the midline were obtained along the entire length of the structure at six craniometric points [at mid-distance between Nasion and Bregma (½ N-B); at Bregma (B); in the middle of the Bregma-Lambda segment (½ B-L); at Lambda (L); halfway between Lambda and Inion (½ L-I); and at Inion (I)]. The count, diameter, and lateral insertion points of the draining BVs were also documented in three segments [Nasion-Bregma (N-B), Bregma-Lambda (B-L), and Lambda-Inion (L-I)].ResultsThe width of the SSS increased progressively along the direction of the blood flow (p<0.01). There was an SSS lateral deviation bias to the right, but the comparison failed to reach the significance level (p=0.12). The maximal lateralization of the SSS in the pre-Lambdal interval was 13.1 mm on the right side and 11.7 mm on the left side. These values increased up to 19.8 mm and 15.1 mm in the torcular area on the right and left sides, respectively. A total of 191 BVs were identified (a mean of 19.1 ± 2.5 per individual). The L-I segment showed a lower number of BVs as compared to its N-B and B-L counterparts (mean: 0.9 ± 0.6 vs. 8 ± 1.8 and 10.2 ± 2, respectively, p<0.01). Along the entire span of the SSS, the average diameter of the BVs was larger on the right side (mean: 1.4 ± 0.9 mm vs. 1.1 ± 0.8 mm on the left, p<0.01). The average lateralization of BVs dural entry points was lower on the left side in the B-L segment (mean: 5.6 ± 6.4 mm vs. 8.8 ± 6.7 mm on the right, p<0.01). There was a statistically significant trend of decreasing BVs lateralization with each consecutive SSS segment (mean: 10.9 ± 7.4 mm in the N-B segment, 7.3 ± 6.7 mm in B-L, and 1.6 ± 1.2 mm in L-I, p<0.01). The maximal lateral deviation of BVs insertion points was 33.6 mm in N-B, 30 mm in B-L, and 4.1 mm in L-I portions of the SSS.ConclusionsIn most cases, the SSS deviated laterally from the midline, up to 13 mm in the pre-Lambdal segment and up to 20 mm in the torcular area. Right-sided BVs were of larger average diameters. The lateral insertion points of BVs decreased along the rostrocaudal span of the SSS.

Pterion: Morphometry and Surgical Significance

Introduction: Pterion is a H-Shaped formation of sutures and cranio-metric point on the lateral side of skull. It is marked by the junction of frontal, parietal, greater wing of sphenoid &amp; squamous temporal bone. Objective: The study is aimed to determine prevalence of types of pterions, presence of epipteric bone. We also tried to find pterion’s relationship with anterior branch of middle meningeal artery Materials and methods: Study was done in department of Anatomy, GMCH-32, Chandigarh on 40 adult dried skulls without calvaria, of unknown age, gender and race. The skulls with broken lateral wall were excluded. Skulls were examined for 1. A. prevalence of pterion shape B. Prevalence of bilaterality of similar shape of pterion. C. Prevalence of unilateral variation of pterion on two sides of skull. 2. Epipteric bone A. Presence of epipteric bone B. relation to the suture on both sides. 3. Distance of pterion center point to frontozygomatic suture and upper border of zygomatic arch. 4. relationship of pterion on external and internal surface of skull and on inner side its relationship with anterior branch of Middle meningeal artery. Observations: In the present study 3 types of pterions i.e., Sphenoparietal, stellate, frontotemporal were observed. Sphenoparietal was found to be present bilaterally 40% on both sides. Frontotemporal &amp; stellate were 2.5%. Sphenoparietal type of pterion was 55% on right side &amp; 67.5% on left side. frontotemporal type of pterion was 5% on right side &amp; 2.5% on left side, stellate type was 7.5% on right side &amp; 2.5% on left side. epipteric bone were present in pterion on right side in 32.5% &amp; on left side 27.5%. Pterion was lying approximately 3.5 cm above the zygomatic arch and 2.83 cm behind the posterior margin of frontozygomatic suture. Conclusion: in our study the commonest type of pterion shape was Sphenoparietal. This type was most common to be present bilaterally. Epipteric bone was found in Sphenoparietal type both unilaterally &amp; bilaterally. The anterior branch of MMA was closest and farthest in stellate type. KEY WORDS: Pterion, Middle meningeal artery, sphenopalatine, stellate, frontotemporal.

Опыт реконструкции облика человека раннего неолита из погребения могильника Шумилиха (Южное Приангарье)

This paper presents the results of a reconstruction of the appearance of a hunter-gatherer of the Kitoi culture from a burial at the Shumilikha cemetery in the Southern Angara region. The excavations were carried out in 1999. In the grave, the walls of which were coated with clay, the remains of a human 25–35 years old were found. Under the skeleton, which was sprinkled with “ocher” (grated hematite rock), traces of a wooden construction were recorded. The grave goods (more than a hundred items) included such interesting finds as the kernels of fishhooks, a bone spoon, beads made of bone paste, as well as two items made of white jade: a ring and a cylindrical bead. There is a reliable radiocarbon date for the human bone, which, taking into account the correction for the reservoir effect, shows an age of 7,003±106 cal BP and allows you to determine the age of this complex by the Early Neolithic. Modern software for 3D modeling and visualization opens up great opportunities, so a virtual method was chosen to reconstruct the appearance of a human from a burial. First, all the bones of the skeleton were scanned, for which two types of 3D equipment were used: a stationary scanner RangeVision Spectrum based on structured light photogrammetry (for the skull and small bones) and a hybrid handheld scanner with structured LED and infrared illumination Shining 3D Einscan H (for large bones). The scan results are processed in RangeVision's ScanCenter NG using built-in algorithms. Filling voids, smoothing surfaces, simplifying 3D models, and correcting mesh defects are done manually at the stage of model postprocessing. For further work, the resulting models were transferred to the stl format. Facial reconstruction was carried out in Blender and ZBrush in several stages: 1) importing and combining models; 2) modeling of lost teeth and reconstruction of the occlusion; 3) CAD modeling of a set of soft tissue depth markers and their positioning by craniometric points; 4) modeling of auxiliary circuits for nose reconstruction and eyeball setting; 5) modeling of masticatory muscles; 6) modeling of facial muscles and fat sacs to simplify the production of a basic head model; 7) modeling the base mesh of the head; 8) digital sculpting of the head; 9) detailing of the digital sculpture; 10) rendering of the model and preparing the model for printing. As a result, a digital model of the appearance of an Early Neolithic hunter-gatherer from a burial at the Shumilikha cemetery was obtained.

Опыт реконструкции облика человека раннего неолита из погребения могильника Шумилиха (Южное Приангарье)

This paper presents the results of a reconstruction of the appearance of a hunter-gatherer of the Kitoi culture from a burial at the Shumilikha cemetery in the Southern Angara region. The excavations were carried out in 1999. In the grave, the walls of which were coated with clay, the remains of a human 25–35 years old were found. Under the skeleton, which was sprinkled with “ocher” (grated hematite rock), traces of a wooden construction were recorded. The grave goods (more than a hundred items) included such interesting finds as the kernels of fishhooks, a bone spoon, beads made of bone paste, as well as two items made of white jade: a ring and a cylindrical bead. There is a reliable radiocarbon date for the human bone, which, taking into account the correction for the reservoir effect, shows an age of 7,003±106 cal BP and allows you to determine the age of this complex by the Early Neolithic. Modern software for 3D modeling and visualization opens up great opportunities, so a virtual method was chosen to reconstruct the appearance of a human from a burial. First, all the bones of the skeleton were scanned, for which two types of 3D equipment were used: a stationary scanner RangeVision Spectrum based on structured light photogrammetry (for the skull and small bones) and a hybrid handheld scanner with structured LED and infrared illumination Shining 3D Einscan H (for large bones). The scan results are processed in RangeVision's ScanCenter NG using built-in algorithms. Filling voids, smoothing surfaces, simplifying 3D models, and correcting mesh defects are done manually at the stage of model postprocessing. For further work, the resulting models were transferred to the stl format. Facial reconstruction was carried out in Blender and ZBrush in several stages: 1) importing and combining models; 2) modeling of lost teeth and reconstruction of the occlusion; 3) CAD modeling of a set of soft tissue depth markers and their positioning by craniometric points; 4) modeling of auxiliary circuits for nose reconstruction and eyeball setting; 5) modeling of masticatory muscles; 6) modeling of facial muscles and fat sacs to simplify the production of a basic head model; 7) modeling the base mesh of the head; 8) digital sculpting of the head; 9) detailing of the digital sculpture; 10) rendering of the model and preparing the model for printing. As a result, a digital model of the appearance of an Early Neolithic hunter-gatherer from a burial at the Shumilikha cemetery was obtained.

Computational Intelligence in Metric Analysis of the Skull in the Context of Maxillofacial Surgery

Anthropometric studies focusing on facial metrics and their proportions form an important research area devoted to observations of the appearance of the human skull. Many different applications include the use of craniometry for maxillofacial reconstruction and surgery. This paper explores the possibility of using selected craniometric points and associated metric to observe spatial changes during the maxillofacial surgery treatment. The experimental dataset includes observations of 27 individuals. The proposed method is associated with the processing of measurements by selected methods of signal processing and computational intelligence. The statistical results point to changes of facial measures before and after the maxillofacial surgery. The proposed method conclusively demonstrates that the area of the mean upper law triangle after surgical treatment is decreased by 8.5%, at the 5% significance level of the two-sample <italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">t</i> -test. The classification of selected measurements by a neural network model reached an accuracy of 84.9%.

Assessment of Sexual Dimorphism from the Mastoid Triangle Using 3d CT scan in Nepalese Population

Introduction: Skull plays an important role, second only next to pelvis for sex determination. In skull, mastoid and occipital region due to its anatomical location is the most protected region, offering high resistance to decomposition and any form of tempering. With the intension of studying sexual dimorphism in the mastoid region involving mastoid process, we initiated this study. The technique we adopted was first introduced by Paiva and Segre, i.e. measuring the distance between three cranio-metric land mark (Porion, Mastoidale, and Asterion) and calculating the area of the triangle to study sexual dimorphism.&#x0D; Objective: The objective of this study is to determine sex based on mastoid triangle dimensions measured in 3D reconstructed computed tomography of the skull.&#x0D; Methodology: The study included 196, 3D reconstructed CT scan images of skull, 98 of which were males and 98 of which were females. The three craniometric points were marked to demarcate the mastoid triangle on both side (mention the software used).Heron’s formula was used for measurement of mastoid triangle areas.&#x0D; Result: Descriptive statistics and the student t-test revealed that males have larger mastoid triangle dimensions in all measurements than females, with a significant difference (p&lt;0.000) between them. The paired t-test revealed no statistically significant difference (p&lt;0.05) between the right and left sides. Apart from angle asterion (p&lt;0.05) on the right side, no other mastoid triangle angles on either side showed a significant difference. The predictability of mastoid triangle measurements and areas was determined using a discriminant function and ROC curve analysis. The calculated mastoid triangle measurements and areas were 72.5 % of Asterion to Porion, 74.5 % of Asterion to Mastoidale, 86.3 % of Mastoidale to Porion, and 88.2 % of areas, respectively.&#x0D; Conclusion: The study findings suggest that mastoid triangle could be used to determine gender in the case of fragmentary skull remains by the forensic experts in the course of investigation. In order to generalize the data nationally, an autopsy-based, large sample size study on different age groups should be conducted.

Anatomical evaluation of the craniometric points and dimensions among adult’s populations of the South-Eastern Nigerians and its implication for intracranial surgical procedures

Background: The understanding of Craniometry with its associated craniometric points and dimensions have found immense applicable relevance in anthropology and neuroscience, ranging from growth determination, estimation of cranial deformities, personal biological profile identification and facial reconstructive surgeries, analysis of evolution of the human species in archeology as well as age variations. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the craniometric dimensions among adults’ subjects in Eastern Nigerian State. Methods: Research data was collected from Computed Tomography scans in the Radiological Department of Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia, Nigeria with strict adherence to inclusive and exclusive factors. A total number of 150 human CT scans were used in the findings. Craniometric parameters were calculated - derived from the two and three coordinate points for linear and angular measurements respectively. Results: Results revealed that age group 36-45 had the lowest cranial parameters and age group 56-65 had the highest cranial parameters. Conclusion: It was concluded that cranial parameters does not increase as age increases throughout life. The study findings will be useful to the anatomists, anthropologists and neuroscientists.

Effect of Intraoral Drainage after Impacted Mandibular Third Molar Extraction on Non-Infectious Postoperative Complications.

Surgical removal of mandibular third molars is associated with non-infectious postoperative complications, including pain, swelling, trismus. Intraoral drains are noteworthy because of their ease of application, availability, and effectiveness. This study aimed to evaluate the use of latex and calcium–sodium alginate mouth flat drains on the severity of postoperative complications such as pain, trismus, and edema after surgical removal of mandibular third molars. Ninety patients who underwent surgical removal of wisdom teeth were studied. The patients were divided into three groups. Group A—with a latex flat drain, group B—with a sodium–calcium alginate (Kaltostat) flat drain, and group C—with a wound closed with knotted sutures. Patients were assessed for pain on a VAS scale every day from surgery to postoperative day 7. Before the procedure and on postoperative days 1, 2, and 7, the pain level, edema, and trismus were measured, respectively. Intraoral drainage with a flat drain after mandibular third molar removal does not significantly reduce pain, as measured by the VAS scale, or postoperative swelling, as measured by lines between craniometric points. Intraoral drainage with a latex drain after mandibular third molar removal does not significantly reduce trismus, while intraoral drainage with a calcium–sodium alginate drainage bag significantly increases trismus.

Outcome of using plat eletrich plasma in postextractional wound treatment

Background. Platelet-enriched plasma (PRP) is a revolutionary autologous biomaterial that stimulates bone regeneration, enhances regenerative processes and postoperative wound healing, thus simplifying future implant-prosthetic rehabilitation. Objective of the study. Evaluation of PRP regeneration properties in postextractional wound regeneration. Material and Methods. The clinical examination was used as research methods: inspection, palpation, paraclinical examination: panoramic radiography / CBCT and VAS test were performed. The diagnosis and treatment plan were established, as follows: extraction associated with PRP injection. Results. At the postoperative evaluation of the patient after 7 days of treatment, the intensity of pain according to the modified VAS method showed decreased values- from 4 to 1, the postextractional wound was completely healed, the level of regeneration was attested by the absence of dehiscence, presence of the pale pink epithelium, absence of the postoperative facial edema according to the craniometric points, the Celsius signs also were absent. Conclusion. The use of PRP biomaterial in wisdom tooth extraction is a minimally invasive method of tissue regeneration that reduces the rehabilitation period and prevents the occurrence of post-extraction complications.

Craniometric points in neurosurgery: When anatomy is the best imaging guidance system

The anatomy of both the skull and the brain offers many landmarks that could help surgery. The craniometric points were described a long time ago, depicting precisely the position of underlying neurological structures: sulci, gyri, white matter fasciculi, deep gray nuclei, ventricles [1], [2], [3], [4]. Advances in technology have brought imaging guidance systems, also called neuro-navigation, that give the real-time intra-operative position of the surgical instruments. Though the imaging guidance can be inaccurate or even wrong, the anatomical knowledge of such craniometry is disappearing. In this work, we summarize all craniometric points and their relative brain components to renew their interest in modern cranial surgery. Craniometric points were collected through a scientific literature review. Specimens were prepared at the anatomy lab of Pittsburgh, and pictures were taken to expose skull and brain from lateral, superior, posterior, and “operative” views. A high-definition camera (EOS E700; Canon, Tokyo, Japan) was used with specific settings. Then, pictures were modified (Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Systems, San Jose, CA) to allow the superimposition of landmarks and neurological structures. From various views, 16 craniometric points were depicted: anterior and superior squamous point; pre- and retro-coronal point; superior sagittal point; intraparietal point; superior temporal point; pre-auricular point; nasion; bregma; stephanion; euryon; lambda; asterion; opistocranion; and inion. Each of these led to underlying landmarks and brain components: anterior and posterior sylvian point; superior and inferior rolandic point; supramarginal gyrus; lingual gyrus; Heschl's gyrus; parieto-occipital fissure; meeting point between inferior frontal and pre-central sulcus, superior frontal and pre-central sulcus, intraparietal and post-central sulcus. A comprehensive knowledge of 16 craniometric points and their related brain structures could be a useful tool for any neurosurgeon who wants a double-check of his/her surgical progression, in addition to imaging guidance and a mental map of the surrounding anatomical environment.