A Study of Auricle Morphology for Identification in Indians.

ABSTRACT

Background: External ear is a significant feature for human face identification. Its size, shape and spatial location on human face are vital from aesthetic point of view. The knowledge of morphometry of normal human auricle and its symmetry is also required for the surgical resection. Aim: The aim of the current study was to estimate the morphometry of external ear and its anatomical landmarks with respect of identification. Methods: In the current, morphometric, cross sectional study was done on 400 Indian students (males = 200 and females = 200) of Teerthanker Mahaveer Medical College and Research Centre.The parameters was analysed by using camera and adobe Photoshop software (version 7.0). The data was statistically analyzed by using student’s t test. p <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: In our cohort, all parameters were higher in males except left lobular width, which was higher in females. The mean observation of the right and left ear length of males were 4.61± 0.41 cm, 4.54± 0.44 cm respectively, while in females were 3.68± 0.42 cm, 3.67±0.54 cm respectively. The mean value of the right and left ear width of males were 3.17±0.37 cm, 3.03±0.47 cm respectively, and while in females 2.57 ± 0.32 cm, 2.55±0.41 cm respectively. The mean value of the left right and left lobular length of males were 1.56±0.12 cm, 1.50± 0.19 cm and in females were 1.09± 0.13 cm, 1.08±0.13 cm respectively. The mean values of the right and left lobular width of males were 1.58± 0.26 cm, 1.51± 0.37 cm and in females were 1.53± 0.35 cm, 1.53±0.35 cm respectively. Free lobule = 88.5% and the attach lobule = 11.5% respectively. Conclusion: This study makes possible the identification of an individual such as race, sex and age whose identity is unknown. Medico legally it is considerable parameter for forensic investigation to optimize the crime.