Standards of facial growth in children using anthropometric method and its correlation with somatic growth

Standards of facial growth in children

Abstract

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: Craniofacial anthropometry involves the measurement of various soft and hard tissue characteristics of the head and face and is considered an important preclinical record for the diagnosis of growth and development and for orthodontic treatment planning. This study aims to determine the means of facial growth parameters and their correlation with somatic growth in a sample of growing children of the Pakistani population.

METHODOLOGY: This cross-sectional study was conducted at various schools of Lahore, Pakistan, with an age range of 3-14 years. Data were collected by taking facial measurements using a digital Vernier caliper and a geometric divider to the nearest 1mm. To measure height and weight, a Martin anthropometer and an electronic scale were used. Data were entered and analyzed for description using SPSS version 25. A post-stratification Pearson correlation test was applied to general body growth and facial parameters.

RESULTS: Mean upper face height, lower face height, total face height, and face width for the sample were 53.08±5.561 mm, 53.05±5.407 mm, 106.25±9.022 mm, and 118.07±9.281 mm, respectively. Mean weight and height for ages 3–14 years were 31.61±13.1 kg and 133.22±17.3 cm. Facial parameters correlated significantly with height and weight.

CONCLUSION: A stronger correlation was seen between facial width and weight in both genders (r = 0.737-0.739), whereas the correlation between height and total facial height was observed only in girls (r = 0.710).