A Study of the Inner and Outer Intercanthal Distances Among the Bura Ethnic Group of North Eastern Nigeria

This study is aimed at establishing standards for the inner and outer intercanthal distances, documenting the anthropometric variation with advancing age and determining the extent of sexual dimorphism of these parameters among the Bura ethnic group of North Eastern Nigeria. This was a cross sectional study involving 300 volunteers consisting of 150 males and 150 females aged 7 to 40 years. Measurement of the intercanthal distances was performed with a sterilized Vernier calliper after Ethical clearance and Informed Consent had been obtained. The data was entered and analysed in statistical software (SPSS version 17). The comparative tests were conducted using the independent student's -t-test at significant level of 0.05. The mean Inner and outer Intercanthal distances for the studied population was 34 ± 2.4 mm and 100 ± 4.1 mm respectively. There is a strong correlation between advancing age and the mean values of inner and outer intercanthal distances in all age groups and among both sexes. There is also demonstration of significant sexual dimorphism among inner and outer intercanthal distances. In conclusion these findings would be of benefit in the diagnosis of craniofacial syndromes associated with hyper/hypotelorism, management of posttraumatic cranial and orbitofacial deformities, in the manufacture of spectacle frames and lenses and as a guide for dentists in selecting denture teeth.

Key Words: Anthropometry, Inner Intercanthal Distance, Outer Intercanthal Distance, Bura Ethnic Group, North Eastern Nigeria