Maximum Cranial Breadth Research Articles

Establishment of Cephalic Index by Computed Tomography in Sampled Chinese Children.

Cephalic Index (CI), the ratio of head width to length, is one of the indexes reflecting cranial morphological characteristics. Current norms were established by European and American countries. The purpose of the study was to study anthropometry of cranial parameters using computed tomography scans to establish the CI of the sampled Chinese Children. The cross-sectional study was carried out on patients of age younger than 14 years old at Shanghai Children's Medical Center. The measurement of maximum cranial breadth and maximum cranial length were taken on a computed tomography scan machine and recorded for analysis. Cephalic Index was calculated for each age and sex group and compared with previously established norms. Five hundred eighteen patients met the inclusion criteria, including 301 males and 217 females. The means for boys and girls were 87.1 (SD: 4.3) and 85.8 (SD: 4.3), respectively. There was a significant difference between boys and girls (P < 0.01). Cephalic Index in different ages and on applying the 1-way analysis of variance association was statistically insignificant (P = 0.19). Chinese head shape was brachycephalic. A statistically significant correlation was seen between the CI and sex, while not age.

Analysis of craniofacial indices of dry crania in Southeast and Southsouth Nigeria

Objective: To determine the cranial index, upper facial index and frontal index of dry human crania in Nigeria. Methods: A total of 150 dry adult male crania were studied in two geopolitical zones (Southeast and Southsouth) in Nigeria. Measurements were taken with spreading caliper and Vernier caliper. The following variables were measured: Maximum cranial length (MCL, g-op), Maximum cranial breadth (MCB, eu-eu), Minimum frontal breadth (MFB, ft–ft), Upper facial height (UFH, n-pr) and Bizygomatic breadth (BZB, zy-zy). From these variables, cranial index (CI), frontal index (FI) and upper facial index (UFI) were calculated. Data analysis was done with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 25). Result: In the Southeast group, the values of MCL, MCB, BZB, UFH and MFB (in mm) were 181.4 (±10.3), 135.3 (±6.7), 135.3 (±6.0), 68.0 (±4.1) and 97.9 (±7.4) respectively. In the Southsouth group, the values of MCL, MCB, BZB, UFH and MFB (in mm) were 180.0 (±7.8), 133.9 (±6.7), 135.0 (±7.2), 67.5 (±6.6), and 98.1 (±4.9) respectively. There was no significant difference in these means between the Southeast and Southsouth groups. In the Southeast group, the mean values of CI, FI and UFI (in %) were 75.1 (±5.9), 72.7 (±5.9), and 50.5 (±3.4) respectively. In the Southsouth group the mean values of CI, FI and UFI (in %) were 74.5 (±4.0), 73.3 (±3.6) and 50.0 (±4.4) respectively. There was no significant difference in the means of the cranial indices among the two groups. Conclusion: The crania in the southern part of Nigeria are dolichocephalic, eurymetopia and mesene type.

Classification of Malaysian individuals using Fordisc 3 based on four craniofacial measurements

ABSTRACT Fordisc is a discriminant function computer program used to study ancestry, although it lacks representation from a Malaysian sample. Our aim was to evaluate ancestry estimates of Fordisc 3 with Malaysian crania of known sex and ethnicity. A dataset from Hisham and Ibrahim of 300 individuals was included in this study. They had undergone full-body computed tomographic scanning prior to post-mortem examination with scan resolutions of 1.0 mm. Maximum cranial length, maximum cranial breadth, nasal height, nasal breadth, and midorbital width were obtained from these images. Measurements were fed into the Fordisc 3 program and were analysed using the Forensic Anthropology Data Bank (FDB) and Howells’ reference populations according to sex, however midorbital width was excluded in all analyses. Ancestry assessment was evaluated on the basis of percentage of correctly classified individuals. Based on Howells database, 50.67% of the sample are correctly classified into Asian, in contrast to only 32.33% according to FDB. These classification trends are limited by the number of measurements, reference populations available in Fordisc and population history of the sample itself. We need to collect standard anthropological measurements in future research and potentially contribute to the database in Fordisc to improve its performance.

Cranial Affinity among Chronological Populations in Sardinia, Italy: Biometric Insights for Orthodontic Purposes

Since human skulls may be used as a benchmark of the evolutionary process, the aim of the present study is to assess the cranial affinity of Sardinian populations from different chronological periods, with a standard index to evaluate its benefits for orthodontic purposes. Craniometric variables from four throughout cephalograms (anterior and lateral) of 72 units from historical Sardinian populations, two prehistoric, one medieval, and one modern were compared to the Bolton standard. A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed for means comparison. A hierarchical cluster analysis and the bootstrap technique for the reliability of the dendrogram were used. Length data revealed statistically significant results (p &lt; 0.01). Usually, the medieval population showed higher mean values compared to the other groups; the prehistoric population presented the highest value of Euclidean distance when compared to the medieval; the modern showed no affinity to prehistoric populations nor to the Bolton standard. The length and the breadth of the neurocranium, maxillary–alveolar length, orbital height, maximum cranial breadth, and external palate breadth contributed to the dissimilarity among populations. The dissimilarities in the craniometric measurements of Sardinian populations are remarkable. Therefore, the main outcome showed that the craniometric standards of the Bolton standard are not applicable across the Sardinian population.

Kraniyofasiyal boyutlar kullanarak cinsiyet tahmini: Kaduna Eyaleti, Nijerya'da BT tarama görüntüleri çalışması

Purpose: The aim of this study is to evaluate the potential of craniofacial dimensions in estimating sex in a sample population in Kaduna State, Nigeria.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective study of normal CT scan images of 399 Crania (comprising 236 males and 163 females) of age range 18–95 years that came for CT scans for the diagnostic purpose at the National Ear Care Centre, Kaduna between the years of 2017–2019. The images were randomly taken at the archives of the Radiology Department of the institute on an axial plane. The five craniofacial dimensions were measured directly from the computer screen using Vitrea CT Software.&#x0D; Results: Maximum cranial width (13.49±0.57 cm), maximum cranial length (18.11±0.74 cm), and bizygomatic length (12.64±0.58 cm) of males were significantly greater than in females (13.35±0.49 cm), (17.82±0.66 cm) and (12.22±0.59 cm) respectively. The bizygomatic length on the receiver operating characteristic curve (Area under the curve = 0.711), logistic regression (odd ratio = 1.254), and discriminant function analysis (percentage accuracy after cross validation = 67.4 %.) was the best single variable for estimating sex. Bizygomatic and maximum cranial length were selected as the significant estimators of sex by multivariate logistic regression with Adjusted Odd Ratios of 1.412 and 3.984 respectively, as well as discriminant function analysis (percentage accuracy after cross validation = 66.9%).&#x0D; Conclusion: Among the sample population in Kaduna State, Nigeria, there is sexual dimorphism in some of the craniofacial variable found in CT scan images. Multivariate logistic regression may be the best model to utilize for predicting sex among the Kaduna State sample group.

Morphometric cranial standards for sex estimation of a population in two ethnic groups in Southwest Iran

BackgroundThis study aimed to evaluate the cephalometric landmarks, cranial measurements, and cephalic index based on geographical and ethnic characteristics to make a database for the southwest Iranian population. MethodIn this analytical cross-sectional study, different anatomic criteria were collected from head MRI images. The anthropometric measures taken included the maximum cranial length, maximum cranial height, maximum cranial breadth, cranial base length, foramen magnum length, upper facial height, lower facial height, foramen magnum breadth, bizygomatic breadth, orbital breadth, nasion-opisthion. The categorization of the head shape was based on the cephalic index. The cranial index was calculated using the equation ([maximum cranial breadth/maximum cranial length] × 100). These assessments were compared to define sexual dimorphism and inter-population variation in size and shape. ResultsSexual dimorphism existed in all cephalometric data except the cephalic index. The measurements comparisonin ethnicities showed that only (eu–eu) differs significantly between the two groups, which is 2,253 mm less in the Arab population compared to the Lur population (P value = 0.022). The cephalic index in males and females was found to be 73.66 and 75.08, respectively. Accordingly, 53.99% were dolichocephalic, 30.06% were mesocephalic, 14.11% were brachycephalic, and 1.84% were hyperbrachycephalic. The shape of the head had no relation to ethnicity but was related to sex (P value = 0.045). Conclusion: It is shown that cephalometric data can be used as diagnostic criteria to determine sex and ethnicity in the southwest Iranian population. It should be further verified on a greater sample size that evaluates more study age distribution.

A Cross Sectional Study of Cephalic Index using Various Measurement Techniques in Varanasi Region of North Indian Population

Background: Cephalic Index is defined as the ratio calculated by the occipitofrontal diameter (OFD) to thebiparietal diameter (BPD).It has been reported that factors like race, ethnicity, genetic interactions, traditions, nutrition, environment, andclimate influences head types.The multifariousness of our nation fascinates and raises the need for anthropometric studies in various regionsand compare the outcomes.The cross-sectional study was carried on three different groups/subjects of either sex.Group 1 comprised of living subjects (Undergraduate students) belonging to this particular region.Group 2 comprised of those that presented to the radio- diagnosis department of Sir Sunderlal Hospital, IMS,BHU, UP, India.Group 3 comprised of dry skulls available in the departmental museum of department of Forensic medicine, IMS,BHU, UP, India.The measurement of maximum cranial breadth and maximum cranial length, are taken manually/on DICOM CTrecords depending on the group and recorded for analysis.The average CI in both the sexes and prevalence of the type is classified according to Martin and Saller classification.(1957)Objectives: The objectives were to find out the prevalence of the type of skull in the study population. It wouldalso show the sensitivity of radiology and its efficaciousness in anthropometric measurements. To ascertain themean CI,range of maximum cranial breadth and maximum cranial length.Result: A total of 70% amongst the study population shows dolichocephalisation.The mean cephalic index in this particular study population was 73.92 ± 5.05.&#x0D; Maximum cranial breadth ranged from 10.4cms to 16.2cms with a mean breadth of 13.21±0.93.Maximum cranial length ranged from 15.6 cms to 20.67cms with a mean length of 17.89 ± 0.86.Conclusion: The observations and findings of the present study based on CT can be replicated in variouscommunities, castes, and regions of India. The data can also be helpful in establishment of identity particularlyrace using skeletal remains.

Craniofacial measurements of Malaysian Malays, Chinese and Indians based on the analyses of post-mortem computed tomographic images

ABSTRACT Considering that the Asian group is huge and consists of many sub-populations in terms of genetics and geographic locations, it is imperative to develop population-specific standards for forensic practice. However, baseline data for a Malaysian population are not readily available. We wish to apply the methodology of Gill et al. (1988) on linear measurements of the mid-facial skeleton observed in physical skulls of North Americans to post-mortem computed tomographic images of Malaysian individuals, together with cephalic and nasal indices. A total of 300 skull scans of equal distribution according to sex and ethnic groups were examined by an experienced observer. Mean values (±SD) in mm for maxillofacial breadth, mid-orbital breadth, alpha cord, naso-maxillofrontal subtense, naso-zygoorbital subtense, naso-alpha subtense, maximum cranial length, maximum cranial breadth, nasal height and nasal breadth in males are 24.98 ± 0.54; 54.84 ± 1.72; 25.20 ± 1.26; 12.52 ± 0.44; 19.70 ± 1.23; 21.33 ± 1.09; 180.36 ± 4.78; 143.02 ± 3.47; 51.76 ± 1.18; 24.99 ± 0.35; respectively. Findings for their female counterparts are 23.58 ± 0.69; 52.74 ± 2.36; 23.38 ± 1.21; 11.19 ± 0.5; 17.71 ± 1.36; 17.55 ± 1.19; 170.45 ± 24.18; 137.75 ± 16.95; 49.19 ± 0.99; 23.87 ± 0.39; respectively. Even though these craniofacial measurements are not able to confidently separate the three different ethnic groups, our study presented the preliminary measurements of Malaysian individuals comparatively to other global populations specifically in the Asian region.

Golden Ratio for the Foramen Magnum On CT Images: A Morphological and Morphometrical Study

The foramen magnum (FM) is a transition zone between the spine and skull. There is a study in the literature showing the golden ratio (4.62) and harmony between both FM and the anteroposterior and transverse diameters of the skull. The aim of this study is to examine the existence of this ratio on CT images and to investigate whether this ratio changes according to the FM shape types. In this study, 402 adult CT images belonging to the Turkish population were examined. Maximum cranial length (MCL), maximum cranial width (MCW) and the FM length (FML) and FM width (FMW) were measured. The different shapes of the FM were macroscopically classified. The number and incidence of each type in the studied skull was registered. In the 402 CT images used in the study, 12 FM shapes were detected. Three of the shape types observed in our study have not been reported in the literature until now, and were found in our study for the first time. In addition, our data supported that by using the ratio of 4.62, there was a great harmony between the skull and FM. The results obtained from the research show that there is a ratio of 4.62 between the basic cranial measurements and FM dimensions in all shapes except triangular shape. It is thought that repeating the calculated coefficients over more different FM shapes will contribute to the effectiveness of the proposed golden ratio.

Estimation of sex from computed tomography images of skull measurements in an adult Turkish population

Nowadays, data on the anthropometric measurements of populations is needed in many areas, especially forensic and legal. Using various methods, researchers obtain various data such as race, sex, and age, and thus provide identification of the material used. Morphological or metric methods are often used for identification. To evaluate the usefulness of the results of skull measurements using computed tomography (CT) to determine sex in a Turkish population. We analyzed 300 male and 300 female CT images of Turkish individuals with an age range of 21-50 years. Maximum cranial length, maximum cranial breadth, bimastoid diameter, bizygomatic diameter, and bigonial breadth were measured by CT tomography. All data were subjected to discriminant function analyses for estimating sex. Intra-observer and inter-observer variances of the measurements were examined using intraclass correlation coefficient analysis. Discriminant function analysis indicated that there was a significant difference between male and female with 88% accuracy. Discriminant function for estimation of sex was obtained with satisfactory accuracy rates for the parameters used. This study confirms that skull measurements show sexual dimorphism in the Turkish population, and also suggests that it may be useful to use CT to assess skull anthropometric measurements.

Establishment of Cephalic Index Using Cranial Parameters by Computed Tomography in a Sampled North Indian Population.

Background: Cephalic index (CI) also called cranial index is the ratio of maximum breadth to a maximum length of head. The purpose of the study was to study anthropometry of cranial parameters using the computed tomography (CT) scans to establish the CI of the sampled population in North India.Materials and methods: The cross-sectional study was carried on the subjects of age group ranging from 6 to 95 years of either sex (total 1000 subjects; 540 male and 460 female) in the radio-diagnosis department of Era’s Medical College Lucknow, UP, India. The measurement of maximum cranial breadth (MCB) and maximum cranial length (MCL) were taken on a CT scan machine and recorded for analysis. When associating the measures of precision for different subgroups, a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used for modest and efficient errors. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors affecting the CI estimation like age, interzygomatic length (IZL), orbital length (OL), MCB, and MCL.Result: Out of 1000 studied subjects, the majority 234 (23.4%) of the subjects belong to the 21-30 years age group. MCB of heads and MCL of heads in different ages and on applying the one-way ANOVA association was statistically significant and CI was statistically insignificant. Pearson correlation between the CI and other parameters like age, MCB of heads, and MCL of heads, and a statistically significant correlation was seen with each other. Dolichocephalic types of the skull are found more in male subjects, and brachycephalic type of skull is more common in female subjects.Conclusion: The average CI of our study was 76.67±3.18. This shows that northern India's dominant head shape, especially in the Lucknow region, was dolichocephaly. Thus, the CT scan is proven an essential modality in the assessment of cranial parameters in anthropometry.

An early Holocene human skull from Zhaoguo cave, Southwestern China.

In this study, we describe a newly excavated early Holocene human cranium from Guizhou, Southwestern China, namely the Zhaoguo M1 (ZG 1). We aim to evaluate its morphological resemblance with Late Pleistocene human, and Northern and Southern China Neolithic populations. We also aim to infer its position in the process of East Asian population regionalization. The ZG 1 skull is almost complete, only missing parts of the right parietal and the basicranium around the foramen magnum. Comparative samples include Late Pleistocene humans and Neolithic populations from Northern and Southern China. Univariate and multivariate analyses are carried out in the study. ZG 1 has a dolichocephalic cranium, wide zygomatic breadth, moderate glabella and supraobtial projection, marked canine fossa, and thin cranial vault. The nasal floor, maximum cranial breadth position, and frontal arc proportion are all congruent with modern human. Statistical analysis suggests that ZG 1's measurements are most similar to those of Southern China Neolithic specimens, with some closer to Late Pleistocene humans. ZG 1 shows a clear affinity with Southern China Neolithic populations, providing further support that regionalization of morphological variability patterns between Northern and Southern Neolithic populations could have originated at least 10,000 years ago.

Examination of craniofacial parameters in Turkish males with golden ratio in piriform aperture size

Background/Aim: Piriform aperture, an anatomical structure usually in the form of a pear, is created by the maxilla and nasal bone. The shape and width of PA have significant effects on nasal breathing and are also aesthetically important. In the present study, it was aimed to reveal normal morphometric values by evaluating the craniofacial parameters of young Turkish male cases at the piriform aperture with the help of computerized tomography. Methods: A total of six craniofacial parameters were examined from the 3-dimensional computerized tomography reconstruction images of 103 young adult male cases with golden ratios between the ages of 21 and 30 years. Three indices were calculated from these craniofacial parameters and nine parameters were evaluated. The cases were divided into four groups according to the ratio of the piriform aperture. The descriptive values for the data obtained from craniofacial parameters and indices were calculated as mean and standard deviation. In terms of measurements, the differences between the groups were examined with ANOVA analysis. Results: In our study, there were five cases in the 1st group, 39 cases in the 2nd group, 38 cases in the 3rd group, and 19 cases in the 4th group. Two cases were not included in any of the groups. Significant differences were detected between the groups in terms of maximum cranial width, bizygomatic width, nasal width and upper face index parameters (P<0.05). Conclusion: Differences were detected between the groups in which craniofacial parameters of all male cases were examined. In the inter-group examination, the craniofacial parameters of only a few cases fit the golden ratio fully. For this reason, we recommend examining the identifying values of the craniofacial parameters of more faces on which the piriform aperture is fully compatible with the golden ratio.

Interrater and Intrarater Reliability of Cranial Anthropometric Measurements in Infants with Positional Plagiocephaly.

(1) Background: anthropometric measurements with calipers are used to objectify cranial asymmetry in positional plagiocephaly but there is controversy regarding the reliability of different methodologies. Purpose: to analyze the interrater and intrarater reliability of direct anthropometric measurements with caliper on defined craniofacial references in infants with positional plagiocephaly. (2) Methods: 62 subjects (<28 weeks), with a difference of at least 5 mm between cranial diagonal diameters. Maximal cranial circumference, length and width and diagonal cranial diameters were measured. Intrarater (2 measurements) and interrater (2 raters) reliability was analyzed. (3) Results: intra- and interrater reliability of the maximal cranial length and width and right cranial diagonal was excellent: intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) > 0.9. Intrarater and interrater reliability for the left cranial diagonal was excellent: ICC > 0.9 and difference in agreement in the Bland-Altman plot 0.0 mm, respectively. Intrarater and interrater reliability for the maximal cranial circumference was good: differences in agreement in Bland-Altman plots: intra: −0.03 cm; inter: −0.12 cm. (4) Conclusions: anthropometric measurements in a sample of infants with moderate positional plagiocephaly have shown excellent intra- and interrater reliability for maximal cranial length, maximal cranial width, and right and left cranial diagonals, and good intra- and interrater reliability in maximal cranial circumference measurement.

Testing regression and mean model approaches to facial soft-tissue thickness estimation.

Average facial soft-tissue thickness (FSTT) databanks are continuously developed and applied within craniofacial identification. This study considered and tested a subject-specific regression model alternative for estimating the FSTT values for oral midline landmarks using skeletal projection measurements. Measurements were taken from cone-beam computed tomography scans of 100 South African individuals (60 male, 40 female; Mage = 35 years). Regression equations incorporating sex categories were generated. This significantly improved the goodness-of-fit (r2-value). Validation tests compared the constructed regression models with mean FSTT data collected from this study, existing South African FSTT data, a universal total weighted mean approach with pooled demographic data and collection techniques and a regression model approach that uses bizygomatic width and maximum cranial breadth dimensions. The generated regression equations demonstrated individualised results, presenting a total mean inaccuracy (TMI) of 1.53 mm using dental projection measurements and 1.55 mm using cemento-enamel junction projection measurements. These slightly outperformed most tested mean models (TMI ranged from 1.42 to 4.43 mm), and substantially outperformed the pre-existing regression model approach (TMI = 5.12 mm). The newly devised regressions offer a subject-specific solution to FSTT estimation within a South African population. A continued development in sample size and validation testing may help substantiate its application within craniofacial identification.

Estimation of sex using morphometric measurements performed on cranial computerized tomography scans.

We aimed to evaluate the usefulness of morphometric measurements performed on cranial computerized tomography (CT) images for the estimation of sex. A retrospective study was performed in the radiology department of a tertiary care center using data collected from cranial CT scans of 616 Caucasian cases (307 women, 309 men) with an average age of 44.70 ± 16.43. The parameters under investigation consisted of maximum cranial length (MCL), minimum frontal breadth, bi-zygomatic breadth (BZB), parietal chord, maximum cranial breadth, bi-mastoid diameter (BIM) and the length of cranial base. Any statistically significant difference in terms of these parameters was found between males and females. In our series, women were remarkably older than men (47.56 ± 15.87 vs. 41.39 ± 16.43; p < 0.001). We observed that there was a statistically significant difference between males and females concerning all morphometric measurements and males displayed higher values in terms of all parameters (p < 0.001, for all). The variables with the most successful performance for discrimination of gender were BZB (89.2%), MCL (87.4%) and BIM (84.8%). The concomitant use of these morphometric measurements seems to improve the accuracy of sex estimation. We suggest that morphometric measurements performed on cranial CT images can be useful for the estimation of sex.

Is cranial multi-detector computed tomography imaging valuable for stature estimation in Egyptian population?

Background and objectivesStature estimation is an initial and essential component of any medico-legal investigations. However, it becomes more challenging when only skull remains are available. So, the goal of this study is to assess stature estimation using cranial multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) images in a sample of the Egyptian population.MethodsThis clinical study was conducted on 150 Egyptian subjects underwent cranium MDCT with age ranged from 21 to 60 years. The measurements used were maximum cranial breadth, minimum frontal breadth, upper facial breadth, bizygomatic breadth, orbital height, orbital breadth, parietal chord, bimastoidale, maximum cranial length, basion-bregma height, cranial base length, and basion-prosthion length.ResultsThe results revealed that stature and craniofacial measurements of males were significantly higher than those of females, all measurements were significantly positively correlated with stature in pooled cases, but the correlation coefficient differs in separate sex. Simple linear regression for stature estimation showed that the least standard error of estimate (SEE) values for the regression equations obtained when using bizygomatic breadth in pooled cases (7.9 cm) and in males only (5.7 cm), while in females using parietal chord had the least SEE (6.8 cm). Using multiple and stepwise regression analysis reported lower SEE values than simple linear regression analysis.ConclusionOn the basis of this study, it is concluded that the cranial measurements obtained from MDCT images have limited utility in stature estimation among Egyptians, but could be used as an alternative method in cases where the best predictors, such as long bones, are not available.

Does craniofacial morphology affect third molars impaction? Results from a population-based study in northeastern Germany.

ObjectivesIt is still not clear why impaction of third molars occurs. Craniofacial morphology and facial parameters have been discussed to be strong predictors for third molar impaction. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the effect of craniofacial morphology on erupted or impacted third molars in a German population sample.Materials and methodsErupted and impacted third molars in 2,484 participants from the Study of Health in Pomerania were assessed by whole-body magnetic resonance imaging. Markers of facial morphology were determined in 619 individuals of those participants in whose 421 participants (16.7%) had at least one impacted third molar. Craniofacial morphology was estimated as linear measurements and was associated in a cross-sectional study design with impacted and erupted third molars by multinomial logistic regression models. Erupted third molars were used as reference outcome category and regression models were adjusted for age and sex.ResultsMaximum Cranial Width (Eurion-Eurion distance) was significantly associated with impacted third molars (RR: 1.079; 95% confidence interval 1.028–1.132). This association was even more pronounced in the mandible. Individuals with a lower total anterior facial height (Nasion-Menton distance) and a lower facial index also have an increased risk for impacted third molars in the mandible (RR 0.953; 95% confidence interval 0.913–0.996 and RR: 0.943; 95% confidence interval 0.894–0.995). No significant associations of third molar status with facial width (Zygion-Zygion distance), and sagittal cranial dimension (Nasion-Sella distance; Sella-Basion distance) were observed.ConclusionIndividuals with an increased maximal cranial width have a higher risk for impaction of third molars in the mandible and in the maxilla. Individuals with a lower anterior total anterior facial height and lower facial index also have an increased risk for third molars impaction in the mandible. These findings could help orthodontic dentists, oral surgeons and oral and maxillofacial surgeons in decision-making for third molars removal in their treatment. These findings highlight the necessity of an additional analysis of the maximal cranial width by the Eurion- Eurion distance.

Anthropometric study of the cranial parameters using Computed Tomography (CT) scan to establish cephalic index of a sampled population in Calabar, Nigeria

Background: Ethnic characteristics of individuals are best described with the skull. Cranial index is one of the most important variables for determining sexual dimorphism and of course racial differences. Parameters used in establishing cephalic index vary considerably depending on the age, sex, geographical habitat, ethnic background of the individuals involved and the methods employed. Such has not been documented in Calabar, especially with the use of advanced imaging modality such as the Computed Tomography (CT) scans. This is the rationale of the study.Objective: To determine the cephalic index of Nigerians residing in Calabar using CT scan.Materials and Methods: A total of 200 cranial Brivo 385 16 slice CT scan images of Nigerians aged from 18 to 87 years were obtained from the Asi-Ukpo Diagnostic Medical Centre Calabar. A simple random probability sampling technique was employed. Variables measured were the Maximum Cranial Length (MCL), Maximum Cranial Width (MCW), Bizygomatic Length (BZL) and the Orbital Length (OBL). The cephalic index was obtained by measuring the ratio of the maximum head width (MCW) or the Biparietal Diameter (BPD) to maximum head length (MCL) or the antero-posterior diameter then multiplied by 100.Results: Cranial length was 182.9 ± 0.657mm in males and 178.53 ± 0.09mm in females. Cranial width was 138.59 ± 0.56mm in males and 137.21 ± 0.65mm in females. The orbital length was 34.35 ± 0.31mm in males and 33.37 ± 0.29mm in females while bizygomatic length was 130 ± 0.31mm in males and 127.54 ± 0.84mm in females. Cranial index was 76.09mm in males and 75.81mm in females. No significant difference between males and females of the study population as the subject appears to be largely mesocephalic (p&lt;0.05).Conclusion: Cranial index of the study sampled population is majorly mesocephalic. Therefore, CT scan is very important a tool in the assessment of cranial parameters in anthropometry.Keywords: Anthropometry, Calabar, Cranial index, Computed Tomography, Mesocephalic

Anatomy of Infraorbital Foramen: Influence of Sex, Side, and Cranium Size.

Several researchers have analyzed the collocation of infraorbital foramen, but no study has so far considered the possible influence of cranial size.Three measurements (distances from anterior nasal spine, inferior orbital rim, angle at the intersection between the line from anterior nasal spine and the transversal plane parallel to the Frankfurt plane) were taken on 100 skulls belonging to a contemporary skeletal collection. In addition, maximum cranial length, maximum cranial breadth, cranial height, and bizygomatic breadth were measured, together with 2 indices (horizontal cephalic index and Giardina Y-index). Differences according to sex and side were assessed through 2-way analysis of variance test (P <0.05). Measurements showing statistically significant differences according to sex were further assessed through 1-way analysis of covariance test including cranial measurements and indices as covariates (P <0.05).Statistically significant differences according to sex and side were found respectively for the distance from anterior nasal spine and the angle at infraorbital foramen (P <0.05). One-way analysis of covariance test verified that the sexual dimorphism of infraorbital foramen- anterior nasal spine distance was independent from the general measurements of cranium.The present study first proved that sexually dimorphic parameters useful for the localization of infraorbital foramen do not depend upon the cranium size.