Describing normal variations of head and face by using standard measurement and craniofacial variability index (CVI) in seven-year-old normal children

Abstract

To define the line separating normal from abnormal craniofacial appearance is complex and difficult because there are many craniofacial measurement parameters, and there are also many factors that influence the craniofacial morphology, such as genetics and environmental influence. The aim of this study is to define the range of normal distribution of craniofacial morphology by using different numerical methods in seven-year-old students in Denizli, Turkey. For this purpose, height, weight and 20 defined craniofacial parameters (including face height, face width, face depth, eyes, nose, ear, mouth and head) of 61 female and 58 male (119 total) normal cases were measured. Every measurement was taken twice by the same investigator and the standard anthropometric methods of measurements were used. All data were recorded by computer and analyzed statistically. At the end, craniofacial variability index (CVI) was found 0.874 ± 0.338 in female, 0.824 ± 0.333 in male. Furthermore, the female results were compared to the male results. Parameters were correlated with each other. Seven years old is the beginning age for primary school in Turkey. So, it is an important year for initial diagnostic screening in children with facial syndromes, and it is also important for pre-and postsurgical assessments of children with craniofacial anomalies. ©2007Muntaz B. Habal, MD.