Anthropometric analysis of the palpebral fissure using superimposition of 3D CBCT models and photographs for forensic facial reconstruction in young Korean adults

Facial reconstruction in forensic anthropology is a technique to identify individuals from skeletal remains. This process is heavily reliant on accurately estimating facial features, particularly the eyes, which are the most distinctive features for facial recognition. This study aimed to analyze the anatomical relationship between the palpebral fissure and the orbit in Koreans to enhance the accuracy of facial reconstruction in 105 participants (55 males, 50 females) with a mean age of 26.0 years for males and 26.5 years for females. Measurements were obtained by superimposing 2D photographs obtained using a Head Posture Aligner with 3D skull models scanned via Cone Beam Computed Tomography. The study analyzed various anatomical landmarks on the eyelids, pupils, irises, and orbits for sex-based differences and left–right asymmetry. Results indicated more significant structural variability in the horizontal plane than in the vertical, with males exhibiting larger differences than females. Notable left–right asymmetry was observed across all horizontal variables. High regression coefficients were noted for both sexes along the reference line through the supraorbitale, whereas landmarks along the medial orbit showed lower regression coefficients. This study underscores the importance of precise landmark identification and measurement in facial reconstructions, where superimposition is crucial for estimating soft tissue placement over skeletal frameworks. The insights gained from the measurements of the palpebral fissure contribute valuable information to improving the accuracy and applicability of facial reconstruction in forensic anthropology.