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Facial Bone Morphology Across Ethnicities: What Have We Learned From 349 CT Scans?
Sara M. Hussein, MD, Jonathan M. Morris, MD, Jess D. Rames, MD, MEng, Basel A. Sharaf, MD, DDS.
Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
PURPOSE: To fully capture facial bony variability across ethnicities, research must extend beyond traditional surface anthropometry studies in white populations. Here, we employed 3D shape analysis to examine facial morphology and gender-specific variations across diverse populations, bridging this knowledge gap across the literature.
METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 349 CT scans aged 20-39, stratified by ethnicity and gender, produced 698 3D models of the midface and mandible. Thirty-five craniofacial measurements and angular dimensions, covering the midface, mandible, were studied. Using 3D overlays and heatmaps, subtle differences across populations were depicted with statistical significance assessed through ANOVA and p-values <0.05.
RESULTS: Several significant variations in craniofacial structures were identified. Black/African and Asian groups had wider maxillae and mandibular widths, with Black/African females having the widest facial dimensions (p<0.001). White and Hispanic/Latino groups had higher nasal bone and mandibular ramus heights (p<0.001). Heatmaps and 3D overlays revealed shape subtleties not evident in quantitative data alone (Figure 1). For instance, 3D overlays highlighted distinct prognathism up to 5 mm between Black and White populations (p<0.001). Moreover, gender analysis consistently indicated larger dimensions in males across all groups (p<0.001).
CONCLUSION: This study underscores the value of combining numerical data with 3D visualization in capturing nuanced differences that linear measurements alone may overlook. Such understanding reinforces normative data, supporting more personalized virtual surgical planning, aesthetic interventions, and reconstruction in craniofacial surgery.
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