Ethnic-Specific Normative Data for Bony and Mucosal Nasal Dimensions Derived from CT Scans: A Cephalometric Study in a Nigerian Population 0 1
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.60787/sjhrs.vol1no1.12Keywords:
Cephalometry, Computed Tomography, Nasal Morphometry, Forensic anthropologyAbstract
Background: The morphometric dimensions of the nasal cavity are crucial for surgical planning, forensic identification, and understanding craniofacial evolution. This study aimed to establish ethnic-specific normative data for bony and mucosal nasal cavity dimensions using Computed Tomography (CT) in a Nigerian population (Hausa, Fulani, Ibra, Yoruba and Igbo ethnic groups), with a focus on anterior, middle, and posterior nasal regions.
Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH), Sokoto, Nigeria. A total of 130 head CT scans (84 males, 46 females) were analyzed. Participants (Hausa, Fulani, Ibra, Yoruba and Igbo ethnic groups) were grouped into seven 10-year intervals from 0 to 70 years. Axial CT images were used to measure: Anterior Bony Width (ABW) Right and Left Anterior Bony Widths (RABW, LABW) Middle Minimal Mucosal Width (MMW) Right and Left Middle Minimal Widths (RMMW, LMMW).
Results: The middle nasal cavity (RMMW/LMMW) reached maximum width in the 31–40 years group, with RMMW at 5.05±1.653 mm and LMMW at 4.39±1.639 mm in males. No consistent sexual dimorphism was observed across all age groups, although males generally exhibited larger dimensions. Notably, in the 31–40 years group, males had significantly greater RMMW (p = 0.007) and LMMW (p = 0.047) than females. Bilateral symmetry was preserved across all parameters (p > 0.05). The narrowest segment of the nasal cavity (middle third) was consistently < 4 mm in over 90% of subjects, indicating a high prevalence of anatomical nasal valve narrowing.
Conclusion: This study provides the first comprehensive set of ethnic-specific normative data (Hausa, Fulani, Ibra, Yoruba and Igbo ethnic groups) for nasal cavity dimensions in a Nigerian population. The findings reveal dynamic age-related changes, variable sexual dimorphism, and high bilateral symmetry. These data are essential for evidence-based surgical planning in rhinoplasty and sinus surgery, forensic anthropology, and comparative craniofacial research in African populations.
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