Nasal Measurements in Indian Population of North-East Region: Angular Parameters with Literature Review

J Maxillofac Oral Surg. 2023 Dec;22(4):841-847. doi: 10.1007/s12663-023-02020-4. Epub 2023 Oct 6.

Abstract

Background: Just like linear nasal parameters, angular nasal parameters form the basis of any rhinoplasty, especially in various ethnic groups to maintain the specific racial characteristics while creating an aesthetic nose. The objective of this study was to measure and study the outcomes of angular nasal parameters in north-east Indians and to contrast them with available literature on Oriental, Caucasian and Indian population in general.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out in 150 young adults from north-east region of India. Surface landmarks were marked, and standard photographs were taken. Nine angular parameters were measured from the left lateral and basal view photographs of the face using computer software. Data were analysed by Student's 't'-test for parametric data and Mann-Whitney U-test for non-parametric data using SPSS v.25.

Results: All the angular measurements were found to be greater in females except nasofacial angle, columella tip angle and interaxial angle. Differences in nasofrontal angle, columella labial angle, nasofacial angle and columella tip angle between males and females were statistically significant. Nasofrontal and columella labial angles were more acute in the study population compared to Caucasians, Orientals and other Indians while nasofacial, interaxial and interalar angles were larger.

Conclusion: The north-east Indian nose is dissimilar to that of rest of the country as well as that of Caucasians and Orientals with respect to angular parameters.

Keywords: Anthropometry; Ethnicity; India; Nose; Rhinoplasty.