Anthropometric Study of Nose Parameters in Iraqi Arabic and Kurdish Subjects (Possible Personal Identification Tool)

Abstract

Background and Purpose: The human nose has been reported to differ in its anatomy and morphology
between different racial and ethnic groups. Nasal anthropometric features when studied can provide useful
information for reconstruction or esthetic surgical procedures and personal identification for forensic
purposes. Method: A total of 311 subjects with age (19-23) years were divided according to gender, race
(Arabic or Kurdish), and residence regions in Iraq (north, middle and south). Different nose parameters
were measured for the subjects using digital Vernier caliper. Results: Comparing races, the nose height
and nose length were significant between Arab and Kurds, nasal index showed (60, 60.6) for Arabic vs.
Kurdish, respectively. Sexual dimorphism was significant in all the parameters obtained. The fine nose was
the commonest among all subjects. Parameters analysis revealed high positive significant correlation among
various parameters except the nasal index that showed negative correlation with nasal height and length.
Conclusions: Nasal morphometric parameters were unique for each person and have variations between
different race (Arabic and Kurdish), gender variation and the correlation among various parameters been
recorded for Iraqi people. These morphometric evaluations are the key for standardization among Iraqis, and
in comparison with different countries, this have great values in anatomical, surgical (aesthetic) and forensic
aspects regarding personal identification.