Clinical Anthropometric Assessment of the Adult Face of Yorubas in Nigeria

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Variations exist in facial anthropometric dimensions based on sex, age, and ethnicity. These variations may be of diagnostic, forensic, and anthropological significance.
PURPOSE: To establish naso-orofacial anthropometric database for the Yoruba tribe, noting important distinguishing features and sexual variations.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: The normative data of 678 adult Nigerians of Yoruba ethnic origin were determined by 25 clinical measurements (17 nasal, 4 orolabial, and 4 facial measurements).
RESULTS: Majority (61.5%) of individuals were male with a mean age of 29.52 ± 8.97 (age range, 18–60 years). Significant sexual dimorphism exists, with males having higher scores in vertical and linear dimension, whereas females have higher angular dimensions. Females have wider nasal root width and nasofrontal and nasolabial angles compared to males, whereas males have wider facial width and height.
CONCLUSION: This normative anthropometric data can serve as a template for comparison of future studies and has applications for treatment planning in facial reconstruction of patients of Yoruba origin.