[Analysis of variation of orbital openings in contemporary skulls]

The size and symmetry of the eye-socket have puzzled many medical and biological scientists. The orbit is a very complicated skull part because of the great number of bones involved in its structure, and its specific physiological function. The aim of our study was to estimate variations in the shape, size and position of the orbital openings in contemporary human skulls by using computer software.

The material consisted of 80 male human skulls of the European population from the beginning of the 20th century. X-ray photographs were taken in the P-A projection, then the images were scanned and calibrated by means of MicroStation 95 Academic Edition software. Tools for measuring the vector elements were used to assess measurements: n-mf, mf-ml, mf-ek, spa--sbk and the area of the orbital opening. The orbital index and the index of morphological asymmetry were assessed. Michalski's tables were used to establish orbit features. The statistical analysis was performed using the Statistica computer software package.

Measurements of the eye--socket position in relation to the mid-line were significantly more frequently larger on the left-hand side, which means a more lateral position of orbits on that side. The measurements of breadth, height and area were more frequently larger on the right side. The asymmetry index was significant for orbit width. The majority of the examined orbits were classified as hypsikonch, according to the orbital index. According to Michalski's scale, the dominant size data described orbital openings in the European population from the West Pomeranian region. The awareness of variability in this area is necessary for the correct interpretation of patients' examination results, reconstruction planning, in forensic medicine, and anthropology.