Photogrammteric Analysis of Angular Facial Soft Tissue Profile Parameters in Ijaws of Nigeria

The understanding of soft tissues profile of the face for a given population is essential to medical specialty involved in the treatment of the face. It enables treatment plan to be formulated to normalize or enhance facial traits for patients. Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine the soft tissue norms in Ijaw tribe of Nigeria. 1002 (501 males and 501 females) subjects between the ages of 18 to 30 were randomly selected. The criteria for selection include a pleasing and balance facial profile, normal over-jet bite, competent lip, no craniofacial deformities and no history of orthodontic treatment or rhinoplasty. The frontal and lateral view photographs of the face were obtained in the natural head position using standard photogrammetric techniques. Angular soft tissue parameters were then evaluated by using Pro-image facial software p. The average values of nasofrontal angle, nasofacial angle, nasomental angle, nasolabial angle, mentoncervical angle, angle of facial convexity and angle of total facial convexity were 132.46 ±0.33, 32.67 ±0.18, 130.13 ±0.22, 99.57 ±0.65, 94 ±0.46, 166.27 ±0.31 and 144.04 ±0.25 degrees for males and 136.95 ±0.32, 31.24 ±0.16, 133.68 ±0.23, 97.12 ±0.54, 90.77 ±0.35, 168.06 ±0.25, 145.07 ±0.25 degrees for females respectively. The results showed significant (p<0.05) gender difference in all measured parameters. The findings of the present study showed that in aesthetic treatment goal for Nigerian subjects it may be useful to take into account ethnic norms.

Key Words: nasofrontal angle, nasofacial angle, nasomental angle, nasolabial angle, mentoncervical angle