Morphometry of Skulls from North Indian Population: Implications for Ethnicity and Race Identification

Introduction:Anthropometric studies have shown significant variations in the cranium and orbits between races and genders due to various factors such as genetics, race, hormones, nutritional differences, and environmental influences. The present study aims to record cranial and orbital dimensions and indices to classify skulls based on these measurements. MaterialsandMethods: Thirty‑five human adult skulls were obtained from the dissecting laboratory and museum of Hind Institute of Medical Sciences, Safedabad. The orbital height, width, interorbital distance, maximum length, and width of the cranium were measured directly using a digital Vernier caliper. The skulls were then classified based on the orbital and cranial indices calculated. Results: The study found a mean orbital index of 83.42, classifying the skulls as mesoseme, and a cranial index of 73.15, classifying them as dolichocephalic. Conclusion: Basic data and records of morphometry of bones belonging to specific regions can help identify the ethnicity and race of a person. Understanding the correlation of dimensions of the orbital cavity and cranium is crucial in certain conditions, such as interpreting fossils, classification of skulls in forensic medicine, and discovering trends in evolution and racial differences. These findings may also aid in identifying unclaimed bodies in India, which are found in significant numbers yearly

Orbital Dimensions and Orbital Index: A Measurement Study on South Indian Dry Skulls.

Background: The human orbit is a complex anatomic region, which plays predominant role in the evaluation of craniofacial complex. The bony orbit which lodges the visual apparatus is important not only for anatomists but also for ophthalmologists, oral and maxillofacial surgeons and forensic experts. The objectives of the present study are to provide the normal reference orbital parameters for the South Indian population. Materials and Methods: The study was done on 200 skulls (105 males and 95 females). The orbital height (Ht) and breadth (Br) were measured by using manual vernier caliper. Orbital index was calculated by using the formula Ht /Br x 100. All the data obtained were tabulated and analysed statistically by computing descriptive statistics like mean, standard deviation and range. Mann-Whitney test was done to find out the statistical significance of all parameters of orbits, with respect to gender and side (right and left side). Results: The results showed that the height and breadth were significantly larger in males than in females. There were no significant differences in height and breadth between the right and left side orbits. There was no significant difference in OI between the genders and also sides. According to the OI, the studied group of Indian population comes under Mesoseme category. Conclusion: This study provides useful baseline orbital morphometric data of south Indian population, which are very important during plastic surgery, maxillofacial and neurosurgeries and also in the forensic research.

Computed Tomographic Measurments of the Orbit and Proptosis in Koreans

The orbit has roughly the shape of a quadrilateral pyramid whose base corresponds to the orbital margin, and whose apex is the bar of bone between the optic foramen and the medial end of the superior orbital fissure. The orbital dimensions can be measured by plain X-ray or computed tomography. Plain X-ray of the orbit may be difficult for the non-radiologist to identify the measurement landmarks and interpret, whereas computed tomography allows more precise analysis by imaging soft tissue relationships to surrounding orbital bones. Measurement of the orbital dimensions and proptosis using CT does not only contribute to the diagnosis of specific pathologic processes, but also guide the ophthalmologist in planning appropriate medical and surgical management. One hundred and three orbital CT films of Korean adults were measured. The results were as follows: The average orbital width was 38.09 +/- 2.82mm, orbital height was 35.47 +/- 2.28mm, orbital index was 93.80 +/- 6.70, orbital depth was 42.67 +/- 3.56mm, interorbital distance was 24.97 +/- 2.25mm, extraorbital distance was 97.38 +/- 5.14mm and proptosis was 14.28 +/- 3.49mm.