Comparative Study and Significance of the Nasal Morphometry Among the Ibibio and Bini Tribes in Southern Nigeria.

Introduction: the nasal morphometry is an integral part of cephalometry which has been described as second most reliable indicator of sexual differences after pelvimetry. Other applications include reconstructive surgery and ergonomics. This study was aimed to assess the nasal morphometry of the Bini and Ibibio tribes in Southern Nigeria and its significance. Methods: this study involved 300 adult Bini and 300 adult Ibibio tribes of Southern Nigeria. The nasal length and width of subjects were evaluated using appropriate anatomical landmarks. The nasal index was calculated as the percentage ratio of nasal width to the nasal length and the nasal morphological distribution was assessed among the study population. Results: the mean nasal length of male Binis (47.10 ± 4.63) and Ibibios (44.35 ± 7.84) was significantly (p<0.05) higher than female Binis (42.45 ± 5.75) and Ibibios (39.77 ± 5.93) respectively. Similarly, the mean nasal width of the male Binis (42.14 ± 6.35) and Ibibios (39.53 ± 6.56) was significantly (p<0.05) higher than the female Binis (37.53 ± 5.68) and Ibibios (34.62 ± 5.45) respectively. The nasal indices of the male Binis (90.55 ± 5.66) and Ibibios (88.95 ± 4.22) and female Binis (87.95 ± 4.13) and Ibibios (86.17 ± 4.57) respectively showed the dominance of platyrrhine nasal morphology among the study population. Conclusion: aside the applications of nasal morphometry in the forensic identification and reconstructive surgeries among the study population, it would serve as a source of crucial anthropometric parameters in ergonomic design and production of face or medical masks and respirators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]