Accuracy of Indirect Anthropometry on Cast Model of The Nose: Comparison with Direct Anthropometry

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: We measured linear distances, angles and inclinations on the cast models of the noses, and compared these indirect measurements with the direct measurements obtained from the nose in order to validate the accuracy of the indirect anthropometry using the cast model. METHODS: Subjects were 50 males and 50 females, medical students in twenties(mean 27.1 years). Cast models were made from the alginate impression material and the plaster. In direct anthropometry, 16 linear, 7 angular, and 2 inclination measurements between 11 landmarks on the nose were obtained using sliding caliper, spreading caliper, and fabric tape measure. At the same time, the same measurements were obtained from the cast models of the same people. Total 25 measurements were compared, and tested by the independent t-test of SPSS. RESULTS: The standard values of Korean nose in twenties were obtained. 24 measurements except the columellar labial angle were not statistically different between the indirect anthropometry and the direct anthropometry. CONCLUSION: Indirect anthropometry on the cast model of the nose revealed no significant difference from the anthropometric measurement statistically, accounting for 24 in 25 measurements(96%). There are two possible reasons that caused the difference of columellar labial angle between direct and indirect anthropometry. First, the columellar labial angle could be decreased by protrusion of the lips which resulted from contracting mouth in which an drinking straw had been applied on the mouth corner for patients' respiration during making cast model. Second, it is generally known that the columellar labial angle could be measured larger when soft tissues were pressed by protractor in direct anthropometry. Using a drinking straw with greater diameter, and scheming respiration through the nostrils that patients don't feel discomfort, the more accurate data would be obtained from the indirect anthropometry using the cast models of the noses.