Craniofacial Angular Photogrammetric Evaluation of Ijaws Resident in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Abstract

Aim: Evaluation of facial angles is essential for defining facial traits in clinical and population studies. The aim of this research was to quantify the normative values of craniofacial angular parameters in Ijaws using a photogrammetric approach. Methodology: The study employed a cross-sectional design involving 300 (150 males and 150 females) persons of Ijaw extraction between the ages of 18 to 40 years. Frontal and lateral view photographs of each subject were taken in the Natural Head Position and analyzed using Pro-Image Facial Software to evaluate nine angular facial parameters.  Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25. Results and Discussion: The mean value Nasofrontal (NFA), Nasolabial (NLA), Nasofacial (NFCA), Nasomemtal (NMA), Mentocervical (MCA) angles, were 158.36±95.86º, 127.49±37.68 º, 34.27±12.72 º, 135.63±33.77 º, 88.38±20.26 º respectively. Males had a mean value of NFA, NLA, NFCA, NMA and MCA  154.02±20.90º, 137.00±32.97º, 39.14±19.00º, 122.59±45.2º, 86.93±29.66º respectively while females are 162. 69±134.03º 117.98±39.76º, 31.28±4.26º, 143.79±20.29 º, 89.41±8.9º respectively. NLA, NFC and NMA were statistically significant P <0.05. The study demonstrated some similarities and differences in angular craniofacial parameters of Ijaws residing in Port Harcourt when compared to other related studies. Variations observed could be attributed to nationality, ethnicity and race. There was sexual dimorphism in nasolabial, nasofacial and nasomental angles. Age-related difference was observed in nasolabial angle while nasofrontal, nasomental and nasofacial have no age differences. Conclusion: This study shows that the normative facial angles of Ijaws residing in Port Harcourt were higher compared to those of the Caucasians, and neighboring ethnicities. There was sexual dimorphism in nasolabial, nasofacial, nasomental, only nasolabial showed significant difference with age.  The findings of this study will be useful in industrial designs, ergonomics, maxillofacial surgery and facial reconstruction.