Facial Anthropometry Measurements Using Three-Dimensional Stereophotogrammetry Analysis Among Nigerians

Area of Science:

• Anthropology
• Medical Imaging
• Biometrics

Background:

• Establishing normative facial anthropometry is crucial for various applications, including craniofacial surgery and forensic science.
• Previous studies have not comprehensively documented facial measurements specific to the Nigerian population.
• Understanding ethnic-specific facial data is essential for accurate clinical assessments and digital reconstructions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine normative facial anthropometry measurements among a diverse Nigerian population.
• To analyze the influence of age and body mass index (BMI) on facial dimensions.
• To identify sex-based differences in facial measurements within the Nigerian population.

Main Methods:

• Utilized three-dimensional (3D) stereophotogrammetry analysis for precise facial measurements.
• Recruited 452 Nigerian subjects aged 16 and above, excluding those with craniofacial deformities.
• Collected data on facial dimensions, age, sex, and body mass index (BMI).

Main Results:

• Provided mean values for key facial measurements, including upper facial height, midfacial height, lower facial height, intercanthal distance, interpupillary distance, upper facial width, and lower facial width.
• Found statistically significant differences in facial dimensions between males and females across all age groups.
• Identified age as a significant factor affecting upper facial height, commissure width, upper lip length, and lower jaw width.
• Determined that BMI significantly influences interpupillary distance, facial width, and lower jaw width.

Conclusions:

• The study successfully established normative facial anthropometric data for Nigerians.
• Significant sexual dimorphism and age-related variations in facial morphology were observed.
• Body mass index (BMI) is a notable determinant of specific facial measurements in this population.