Anatomical and Clinical Insights from Morphological and Morphometric Analysis of the Orbital Region

Recent studies report that morphometry is a fast and efficient method for the evaluation of morphological characteristics such as ethnicity, gender, age, genetic factors, dietary habits and regional variations which can alter the shape and size of bone structures. These aspects are significantly important in determining the anthropometric changes between different populations and genders. The orbital index varies in the different races of mankind and determines the shape of the face in different population groups. This study aimed to assess the orbital index, which varies with race, regions, within the same race, and periods in evolution. Understanding this index is crucial for interpreting fossil records, classifying skulls in forensic medicine, and exploring trends in evolutionary and ethnic differences. Documented ranges of this index in different nationalistic groups will aid in skull identification. Sixty-eight skulls were obtained from the Anatomy Department of the University College of Medical Sciences and Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital, Delhi. To prevent interobserver and intra-observer error, two individuals measured the parameters independently using predetermined procedures. Vernier callipers accurate to 0.1mm and a 30mm ruler were used to measure the width and height of the orbits, while a tapeline was used to measure the length and width of the skull. The mean orbital height was found to be 33.47 ±1.56mm and 33.65 ±1.53mm, whereas the mean orbital width was 42.06 ±1.68mm and 41.87 ±1.73mm on the right and left sides, respectively. The mean orbital index was 79.65 ±4.02mm and 80.49 ±4.67mm on the right and left sides, respectively. The mean width of the skull was 128.71 ±5.94mm, whereas the mean height of the skull was 130.96 ±4.07mm. The data obtained was statistically analysed. Comparison with previous studies reveals significant variation in the anatomical characteristics of the orbital cavity, influenced by ethnic differences, measurement methods, and sample size. The data collected in this study could serve as a database for the quantitative description of human orbital morphology during normal growth and development, considering sex and ethnic-related variations. The findings of the present study allow for quantification of the orbital features of North Indian adults and provide parameters for preoperative planning and prediction of postoperative outcomes.