Anthropometric study of nasal index of South Indian skulls

Abstract

Introduction Nasal anthropometry is a useful clinical parameter recognized in medicine and surgical management of nasal abnormalities. Nasal index is the most common nasal parameter, and may be determined by regional and climatic differences. Understanding baseline nasal parameters could make measurements of nasal index a useful tool for researchers, clinicians, rhinoplastic and facial reconstructive surgeons, forensic experts and others in related fields. The aim of this study was to establish normative data for nasal anthropometric parameters and distribution of basic nose types in the South Indian population that could be useful in future forensic and anthropological studies. Methods The study was conducted on 109 skulls available in the Department of Anatomy of a medical college in Southern India. The nasal index was calculated as the percentage nasal width divided by nasal height. The results were tabulated and analyzed to determine nasal types. Results The mean nasal width was 49mm, the mean nasal height was 91mm and the mean nasal index was 54mm. The standard deviation of nasal index was 5mm with a standard error of 0.5mm. Conclusion The study was conducted using a novel anthropometric method that used routine digital photographs of South Indian skulls. Hence the results can be recommended to forensic experts, plastic surgeons and anthropologists.

Keywords

• Anterior nasal aperture, Nasal anthropometry, Nasal height, Nasal index, Nasal width, Rhinoplasty