Can Cranium Size be Predicted from Orbit Dimensions?

Aim: The morphometry of skeletal remains is of importance to anatomists, forensic experts, and anthropologists. One of the most preferred skeletal remains is the cranium. Orbital morphometry in the cranium and cranium allows us to have information about parameters such as age, gender and lineage. This study was carried out to seek an answer to the question of whether cranium sizes can be estimated from orbital sizes. Material and Methods: In the study, 21 dry skulls belonging to the were used. Length and width measurements of the cranium and orbit were made. A precision digital caliper was used for measurements. Results: The ratio of the diameters of the cranium and orbit was calculated as 4.56 on the sagittal axis and 3.35 on the transverse left axis and these ratios were accepted as a related ratio (RR). OrbitRR values were calculated by converging the orbit to the cranium in RR ratios. Statistical validity (Bland Altman Plot) and reliability (Intraclass Correlation Coeffidency) analyzes were performed to evaluate the agreement between the measurements. There was no statistically significant difference between OrbitRR and cranium diameters (p>0.05). Since there was no statistical difference, validity and reliability analysis was performed. It was observed that there was statistical validity between OrbitRR and cranium diameter in the sagittal and transverse axis. In the reliability analysis results, low agreement (r=0.405) was detected in the sagittal (r=0.391) and transverse axis (0.30 Conclusion: There is validity in estimating cranium sizes using orbital measurements. In forensic medicine, cranium dimensions may be estimated based on orbital dimensions in cases without skull integrity.

Keywords:

Cranium, orbit, morphometry prediction, forensic anthropology,

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