Anthropometric study of the nasal index of bekwara ethnic group of cross river state, nigeria

Nasal anthropometry can be employed in identification of the race and sex of individuals whose identity cannot be ascertained since the normal nose morphology is dependent on ethnic, gender and environmental influences.This study is aimed at deriving normal standard values for the Nasal Index (NI) in adults of the Bekwara ethnic group in Cross River state of SouthSouth Nigeria. One hundred (100) subjects (50 males and 50 females) aged 21-45 years were recruited for this study of which the nasal height, nasal length and nasal breadth were determined . Sexual dimorphism was noted (P <0.05) as higher values were observed in males in Nose width and Nasal indices (P < 0.05). Applying the international Nose anthropometric methods to assess and compare Nasal morphological characteristics, both males and female have platyrrhine (broad and short) Nose type since their nasal index was revealed to be 94.65 and 90.33 respectively. This study clearly buttresses the African origin of the Bekwaras, it also confirms that anthropometric variation in the nose parameter employed in the calculation of the nasal index does exist. These measurements in healthy subjects are useful for dysmorphologist in the early identification of some dysmorphic syndromes like cleft lip associated with nose disorders, it will also be relevant in forensic medicine,rhinoplastic surgery and physical anthropology.