CT-based nasal width estimation for forensic facial approximation in the Northwest Indian population

Area of Science:

• Forensic Anthropology
• Medical Imaging
• Human Identification

Background:

• Forensic facial approximation aids identification from skeletal remains when other methods fail.
• Nasal dimensions are critical for facial recognition but challenging to approximate from skeletal structures.
• Accurate nasal width estimation is vital for improving forensic facial reconstructions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop reliable, population-specific regression equations for estimating nasal width from skeletal measurements.
• To enhance forensic facial approximation techniques for the Northwest Indian population.
• To investigate sex-based differences in craniofacial morphology impacting nasal width estimation.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of CT scan data from 361 individuals (Northwest Indian population).
• Extraction of craniofacial skeletal measurements, focusing on the nasal aperture, using Radiant DICOM Viewer.
• Application of multiple linear regression analysis and assessment of sexual dimorphism.

Main Results:

• Developed regression models showed strong predictive capability for nasal width estimation.
• Average discrepancy between estimated and actual nasal widths was minimal (approx. 5 mm²).
• Statistically significant sexual dimorphism was observed, supporting sex-specific predictive models.

Conclusions:

• The study provides reliable, population-specific regression equations for estimating nasal width from skeletal remains.
• These equations enhance the accuracy of forensic facial approximation in the Northwest Indian population.
• Emphasizes the importance of using regionally tailored, sex-specific data in forensic anthropology for improved accuracy.