Morphometrics of human skulls and mandibles obtained from Southwestern Nigeria: implications in clinical manoeuvres

Craniometric data can be useful in the estimation of sex, age, stature, and ethnicity. Despite Nigeria’s diverse and multifaceted demography, there is a dearth of information on detailed morphometry of specific features of the Nigerian cranium. This study sought to provide detailed descriptions of various dimensions on the Nigerian mandibular bone, nose, foramen magnum, and orbit for use in clinico-anatomical studies, dentistry, anthropology, and forensic medicine. Using 33 skulls and 17 mandibles, without gender bias, obtained from the departmental museum, 17 parameters were measured linearly on each mandible and thirty-six parameters on each skull using a digital Vernier calliper. Mean and standard deviation of data sets generated were analysed using t-test at p < 0.05.

The distance between the cranial and caudal angles of the mandible was 3.48 ± 0.21 mm. The distance from the rostral point of the dental bone to the condylar, coronoid, and angular processes was 4.86 ± 0.25 mm, 2.64 ± 0.52 mm, and 3.72 ± 0.30 mm, respectively. The distance between the most medial points of the most rostral left & right mental foramina in the skulls was 4.51 ± 0.17 mm. The distance between the most medial points of the most rostral left & right mental foramina in the skulls was 4.51 ± 0.17 mm. Most orbit skull types were megaseme in nearly 61%, and orbital asymmetry was also observed. However, the right orbit (26.07 ± 2.106) was significantly higher (p < 0.0001) than left orbit (24.80 ± 1.850). The most common shape of the foramen magnum was the oval-like foramen (78%). The common nose types were platyrrhine in 50% and mesorrhine in 26%.

Insights from this study might provide practical reference information for mandibular and orbital reconstructive surgeries in clinical settings, skull classification in forensic science, and research purposes.