Evaluating the Anatomical Traits of Lip on Three-Dimensional Computed Tomography Images

Abstract

Background: Lips and mouth are the most recognizable parts of the lower face. The morphometry of the facial organs is important for the balance of the face. Besides congenital anomalies occur on the lips, some kinds of deformities might be seen because of trauma or carcinoma. In this respect, lips are in the study of plastic surgery, maxillofacial surgery and orthodontics. Lip morphology also takes an important role in forensic facial reconstruction (facial approximation). Materials and Methods: Twenty parameters on the soft tissue and 12 parameters on the hard tissue were measured on three dimensional (3D) computed tomography (CT) images belonging 50 individuals (25 female, mean age 35.40 ± 9.97; 25 male, mean age 34.32 ± 11.06). Results: Statistical significance was observed on 4 parameters measured at soft tissue and 6 parameters measured in hard tissue. Statistical significance was not seen between the measurements taken bilaterally. Fourteen equations were developed in order to estimate the lip morphometry using the morphometric traits of hard tissue. Conclusion: We hope that the results of current study will be useful at surgery and forensic sciences.

Age- and Sex-Related Changes in Labial Dimensions of Sudanese Youngs of Arab Descent: A Three-Dimensional Cross-Sectional Study

“…Sforza et al [ 31 , 43 ] described some soft tissue facial distances and analyzed a set of midline angles and distances from Ricketts’ aesthetic line, finding several differences related to data collected in African and Caucasoid subjects. A detailed definition of the normal dimensions of facial structures in different ethnic groups, ages and sexes is therefore essential for a correct reconstruction of the global facial appearance in the forensic field (facial aging, facial reconstruction from skeletal remnants), in patients (via orthodontics, dental prostheses, surgery) and in the design of medical devices [ 1 , 3 , 8 , 16 , 18 , 25 , 39 ]. In particular, taking the esthetic characteristics of the mouth area into consideration, proper relationships between the cutaneous and vermilion parts of the lips should be maintained or restored by surgical and dental reconstructive treatments, thus contributing to the general well-being of people [ 5 , 6 , 22 ].…”

“…Together with our name, our face characterizes ourselves and allows our identification among the hundreds of people we meet every day. A central role in facial assessment is played by the mouth and lips [ 1 , 2 , 3 ], which also convey information about sex, age, ethnicity, health conditions, mixing function, esthetics and social aspects in unique configurations [ 1 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 ].…”

“…Healthy facial structures clearly contribute to the global well-being of people of all ages and geographical origins and their restoration after local or systemic disorders goes well beyond clinical aspects. A detailed knowledge of the normal characteristics of the mouth and lips is usually provided by anatomical and anthropometrical studies; the relevant reference data are employed in a variety of medical fields, from reconstructive, surgical and dental treatments to genetic investigations of the facial phenotype for early detection and diagnosis of diseases involving the face, as well as facial reconstruction for forensic purposes [ 1 , 3 , 4 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 ].…”

“…In particular, to better identify those individual features that best discriminate among people, those that are more or less variable in life, age-, sex- and ethnic-specific databases should be provided: this information is crucial for treatment planning and the timing of dental, orthodontic and surgical therapies [ 1 , 3 , 5 , 6 , 9 , 13 , 16 , 19 , 21 ].…”

“…Dimensions, relative proportions and reciprocal spatial positions of the structures of the orolabial region in healthy subjects of different ages have been widely investigated. Unfortunately, most of the studies report data for Caucasoid and Chinese subjects and investigations about Africans/African Americans are few and mostly limited to adults [ 1 , 3 , 5 , 6 , 8 , 9 , 16 , 18 , 19 , 21 , 25 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 , 39 , 40 ]. The lack of information about normal orolabial structures is one of the problems that contribute to an unequal distribution of resources among countries, thus preventing the access to diagnosis and tailored treatment planning.…”