Facial Index and Zygomatic Arch Dimensions: A Cadaveric Morphometric Study

Abstract

Objective: To examine whether the facial index is associated with the dimensions of the zygomatic arch, in order to provide reference data for surgical planning.
Methods: Observational morphometric study of 20 adult cadaveric head and neck specimens from voluntary body donors aged 45 to 80 years (40 anatomical sides). The facial index was calculated from facial height (nasion to gnathion) and bizygomatic breadth, measured with vernier calipers. After dissection of the temporal fossa, the length of the zygomatic arch was measured, together with thickness and height of its upper border and its distances to the temporalis muscle and to the temporal bone at three points (anterior, middle and posterior). Right and left sides were compared with paired t-tests. Correlations with the facial index were assessed with Pearson's coefficient, using one bilateral mean per donor.
Results: The mean facial index was 84.87 ± 16.84 (range, 59.26 to 111.00). Mean arch length was 4.490 ± 0.433 cm on the right and 4.495 ± 0.463 cm on the left; no right-left difference was statistically significant. The facial index was not significantly correlated with arch length (r = 0.137; 95% confidence interval, −0.326 to 0.546; p = 0.566), nor with any of the other 12 measurements (all p > 0.05).
Conclusion: No statistically significant correlation was detected between facial index and arch measurements in this sample of 20 adults; paired side comparisons were also non-significant. The descriptive findings require confirmation in larger, age-appropriate samples before clinical generalization.