Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Surgical and radiologic anatomy : SRA, cilt.47, sa.1, ss.190, 2025 (SCI-Expanded)
Abstract
Purpose: Despite the increasing use of craniofacial morphometry worldwide, there is a lack of population-specific normative
data based on high-resolution 3D skull models for the Turkish population. This study aimed to fill this gap by investigating
cephalic, nasal, and orbital indices using precise measurements derived from 3D models, and to evaluate their variations
according to sex, age, and laterality.
Methods: In this retrospective study, multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) data of 240 adults (120 males, 120
females) without any deformity or trauma were used. Cephalic, nasal and orbital indices were calculated using precise anatomical landmarks on high-precision 3D skull models obtained from these data, and comprehensive statistical analyses were
performed with SPSS 20.0.
Results: Cranial length, piriform aperture width and orbital width were higher in males than females (p<0.001). Orbital
height was higher in females than in males (p=0.003). Cephalic and orbital indices were higher in females, whereas nasal
index was higher in males (p<0.001). In terms of anatomical asymmetry, left orbital measurements were higher than the
right side in both sexes (p<0.001). In addition, as age increased, the skull shape shifted towards dolichocephalic type, orbital
proportions decreased and nasal aperture widened (p< 0.001).
Conclusion: The findings clearly revealed sex-related differences, age-related morphological changes, and significant orbital
asymmetry. The obtained data may increase the accuracy of sex estimation in forensic anthropology, support preoperative
planning in craniofacial and reconstructive surgeries with region-specific reference measurements, and form the basis for
anthropological research by contributing to ethnic and regional morphometric databases.
Keywords: 3D modelling · Cephalometry · Cephalic index · MDCT imaging · Nasal index · Orbital index