Anthropometric Study of the Upper Lip and Nose in Infants Younger than One Year Old

ABSTRACT

The face is a variable part of the body and characterized not only by each part but also by the interrelation of the parts. Because facial image is very complex, it is very difficult to standardize the facial profile. However, it is necessary to establish the facial anthropometry in the infant. We perforrned an anthropometric study of the linear length of soft tissue in 13 places of the nasolabial area using a spreading caliper and ruler for the purpose of establishing normal interrelationship of regional profile in newborns and 2, 4, 6 month old babies. Each age group was composed of 40 normal babies. Followings are our results in the order of newborn, 2, 4, 6 months old. Widths of columella were 3.2 mm, 3.5 mm, 3.7 mm, 3.8 mm, respectively. Heights of columella were 4.7 mm, 4.9 mm, 5.2 mm, 5.3 mm. Distances between medial alar bases were 13.7 mm, 14.4 mm, 17.4 mm, 17.6 mm. Lengths from alar to tip of Cupid's bow were 9.5 mm, 10.0 mm, 10.5 mm, 10.6 mm. Lengths from columella base to tip of Cupid's bow were 8.4 mm, 9.9 mm, 10.2 mm, 10.5 mm. Lengths from columella base to center of Cupid's bow were 8.3 mm, 9.5 mm, 9.8 mm, 9.9 mm. Lengths of one limb of Cupid's bow were 2.7 mm, 3.1 mm, 3.4 mm, 3.5 mm. Lengths from tip of Cupid's bow to commissure were 13.4 mm, 14.7 mm, 16.4 mm, 16.9 mm. Intercommissural distances were 26.8 mm, 30.3 mm, 30.8 mm, 32.5 mm. Widths of philtral column at columella base were 3.1 mm, 3.6 mm, 3.7 mm, 4.0 mm. Distances between philtral columns(mid portion) were 3.7 mm, 4.6 mm, 4.6 mm, 4.6 mm. Heights of nasal tip protrusion were 8.7 mm, 11.0 mm, 11.7 mm, 12.1mm. Widths of nose were 20.7 mm, 23.7 mm, 25.3 mm, 25.9 mm. As the treatment of cleft lip should be performed within 6 months of age, the exact data for the face are very important, especially in the nasolabial area. We expect our data to be useful as a guideline for the management of cleft lip patient under one year old.