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Facial asymmetry: an X-ray study
1Chair of Anthropology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic.
Acta Chirurgiae Plasticae
|January 1, 1994
Summary
Facial asymmetry in adult males is typically fluctuating, with the most significant variations observed in the cranial vault, not a specific side of the face. These differences are individual, not indicative of a dominant facial side.
Area of Science:
- Anthropometry
- Human Anatomy
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Facial symmetry is a key aspect of human aesthetics and development.
- Understanding the patterns of facial asymmetry is crucial for clinical and research applications.
- Previous studies have explored various facial regions, but comprehensive analysis across the entire face is needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantitatively analyze facial asymmetry in adult males using frontal plane analysis.
- To determine the distribution and magnitude of asymmetries across different facial regions (upper face, mandible, cranial vault).
- To ascertain if a predominant side exists in facial asymmetry.
Main Methods:
- Assessment of cranial anteroposterior X-ray films.
- Analysis of facial asymmetries in the frontal plane.
- Inclusion of 38 normal adult males in the study cohort.
Main Results:
- Facial asymmetries were found to be of a fluctuating type.
- Slightest asymmetries were noted in the upper face.
- Mandibular characteristics showed moderate deviations, while the cranial vault exhibited the most marked asymmetries.
- No significant predominance of asymmetry was observed between the left and right sides of the face.
Conclusions:
- Facial asymmetries in adult males are characterized by fluctuating patterns rather than consistent directional bias.
- The magnitude of asymmetry varies across facial regions, being most pronounced in the cranial vault.
- Observed facial asymmetries are primarily of an individual character, reflecting unique anatomical variations.