A cross-sectional study on morphometric variations of nasal morphology in an ethnic population of South India.

Abstract

Introduction: Nasal morphology is a key factor in facial reconstructive procedures and forensic investigations. It is directly proportional to ethnicity, race, gender, and environment. The aim of this study is to evaluate the nasal morphological features of the Lingayat population of Mysuru (South India) as an indicator for personal identification.

Material and methods: The study involved 305 randomly selected healthy subjects (240 males and 65 females) between three age groups. Nose width and nose height were measured using a digital vernier calliper. The nasal index was calculated along with other parameters. Statistical analysis of the accumulated data was performed.

Results: The average nose width in men and women was 85.25 mm and 84.92 mm, while the average nose height was 120.24 mm and 119.93 mm respectively. The mean nasal index for males (71.29) was slightly higher than for females (71.05). The morphological classification showed the leptorrhine nose type as the most prevalent among both males (47.08%) and females (52.30%).

Discussion and conclusion: The population under the study exhibits leptorrhine type of nose and shows sexual dimorphism in the values of nasal parameters. Thus, the present study is invaluable not only in forensic facial reconstruction but also in gender determination and the identification of an unidentified individual.