Anthropometric analysis of the nose

Abstract

Anthropometric evaluation begins with the identification of specific locations, called landmark points, defined in terms of visible or palpable features on the subject. Data from facial landmarks have traditionally been obtained by the direct measurement technique using standard instruments such as callipers, measuring tapes, compasses, protractors and angle finders. However, this requires physical contact by the examiner, which could lead to errors during measurement as many areas on the face are very sensitive to touch. The latest reports on craniofacial anthropometry, therefore, include laser scanning and photogrammetric techniques. The nose is a person's most defining feature as it is at the centre of the face. The shape of the nose is a signature indicating ethnicity, race, age and sex. Anthropometric methods and surgical practice have now merged to treat congenital or post-traumatic facial disfigurements in various racial or ethnic groups successfully. Nasoplasty surgeons require access to facial data based on accurate anthropometric measurements to perform optimum correction. The photogrammetric anthropometric method will be summarized in this chapter. Anthropometry is said to be the most suitable nasal evaluation method to demonstrate the sharp nasal profile contours and eliminate differences between direct and indirect nasal measurements.