Speaker
Description
Background: In several developed countries, periorbital morphological variation is well documented and used as a diagnostic tool for sex determination. Periorbital parameters are population-specific and reflect the different patterns of craniofacial growth that results from sexual differences. However, there is very little documentation on orbital dimensions and its application in low resourced countries like Ghana. Therefore, it is necessary to develop craniofacial anthropometric standards for Ghanaians.
Objectives: The present study sought to generate baseline data on the periorbital dimensions of Ghanaians and to derive a regression model for sex determination.
Methodology: Informed participants’ consent and Ethics Committee approval were obtained. A convenience sampling technique was employed to recruit a total of 280 participants (140 males and 140 females) aged 16 - 42 years. Left and Right Orbital Breadth, Left and Right Orbital height, Interorbital Breadth, and Biorbital Breadth were directly measured using Digital Vernier Calipers. Binary logistic regression was used to formulate models for sex determination using the measured periorbital dimensions.
Key Findings: The Left and Right Orbital Breadth, Interorbital Breadth, and Biorbital Breadth were numerically higher in males, whereas the Left and Right Orbital Height and Indices were numerically higher in females, but none of these differences was statistically significant. Biorbital breadth was the only periorbital dimension that exhibited sexual dimorphism among the participants (p < 0.05). Binary logistic regression analysis showed that, Biorbital Breadth was the best predictor, which correctly determined 60.7% males and 49.3% females with an overall prediction accuracy of 55%. The most common orbital type among males and females was megaseme.
Implications /Applications: The present study has derived a regression model for sex determination using Biorbital breadth and this would be useful as a preliminary tool for biological profiling. The results also serve as baseline data for periorbital dimensions for the improvement of craniofacial surgeries.