ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: The morphological characteristics and dimensions of external ear vary in different human ethnic races which can be utilized in forensics for personal identification of living or deceased. AIM: To determine uniqueness of morphological and biometric variations of both ears for individualization among North East (NE) and North West (NW) subpopulation of India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted on randomly selected 80 students, 40 from each subgroup. Nine ear parameters were recorded twice using digital Vernier's caliper by single investigator and two indices (Ear Index and Lobule Index) were calculated for both the ears. Morphological ear shapes and lobule attachment were also noted. Pearson's coefficient correlation test was performed on cross-tabulations to evaluate significant relationship between different variables. RESULTS: Of the total 35% free and 65% attached ear lobes were noted in both population groups. Oval ear shape was most commonly noted followed by triangular, rectangular and round in both populations. On comparing anthropometric measurements of ears in two populations it was found that except the tragus length and lobule index all other values were noted more in NW population. No statistical difference was found in ear and lobular indices of males and females although the left ear index and lobule index were found to be higher than right in both populations except in NW females where right lobule index was recorded more than left. CONCLUSION: The results obtained can be used in anthropological and forensic sciences for the inclusion and exclusion of persons for identification on the basis of ear variations.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Third molar (M3) agenesis and impaction are associated with evolution, changed dietary habits, and human jaw growth. The aim of the study was to radiographically evaluate the prevalence of M3s agenesis, impacted M3s with different impaction patterns, and the approximation of Inferior Dental Canal (IDC) with impacted mandibular M3s roots among the Sriganganagar population. METHODS: The study included 700 randomly selected subjects from OPD with an age range of 25-45 years. Digital OPGs were taken for all subjects using Kodak 8000C digital OPG machine. The M3 impaction patterns were evaluated using Winter's classification. RESULTS: The prevalence of subjects with at least one M3 agenesis was found to be 34.1% and with 95% confidence interval was 30.6% to 37.6%. The overall M3s agenesis was 16.8% with more prevalence in the males. The patients with agenesis of one M3, two M3s, three M3s, and four M3s were 14.4%, 11.3%, 3.7% and 4.7%, respectively. M3 agenesis was more in the upper jaw and on the left side. The total impacted M3s were 21.11% with more prevalence in mixed diet subjects. Mesioangular was most common impaction pattern, and notching was most prevalent IDC relationship with impacted mandibular M3s roots. CONCLUSION: This study highlighted the evolutionary increasing M3 agenesis and the importance of diagnostic OPG for seeing the status of M3s in jaws.
