Craniometric study of Thai skull based on three-dimensional computed tomography (CT) data.

Area of Science:

• Anthropology
• Forensic Science
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Accurate craniometric data is essential for anthropological and forensic studies.
• Traditional methods of skull measurement can be invasive and time-consuming.
• Three-dimensional computed tomography (3D CT) offers a non-invasive approach to anatomical assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish an advanced method for evaluating craniometric data of the Thai population using 3D CT.
• To compare craniometric differences between Thai males and females.
• To investigate regional variations in Thai skull morphology and their forensic implications.

Main Methods:

• Utilized 91 Thai cadaveric dry skulls from the Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University.
• Employed three-dimensional computed tomography (3D CT) for digital assessment of anatomical landmarks.
• Performed statistical analysis to compare craniometric parameters between sexes and regions.

Main Results:

• Thai males exhibited significantly larger craniometric data than Thai females (p << 0.001).
• Key parameters showing significant differences included maximum cranial length, basion-bregma height, nasion-basion length, nasion-bregma length, and bizygomatic breadth.
• Distinct craniometric variations were observed between Thai skulls from the northeast and central regions.

Conclusions:

• 3D CT provides an effective, non-invasive method for assessing Thai craniometry.
• Significant sexual dimorphism exists in Thai skull morphology.
• Regional craniometric differences and established linear regression equations are valuable for forensic identification.