Abstract

Background: The human orbit is a complex anatomic region. Each of its four bony walls has its own unique features and is perforated by a number of fissures and foramina that carry important nerves and blood vessels. This is an anatomical region which is of clinical & surgical interest to many disciplines like ophthalmology, oral and maxillofocial surgery and neurosurgery. This morphometric study is undertaken to provide the normal reference values of roof and floor of the orbit in south Indian population. Materials and Methods: The study was done on 200 skulls (105 males and 95 females). The length of orbital roof and floor were measured by using manual vernier caliper. All the data obtained were tabulated and analysed statistically by computing descriptive statistics like mean, standard deviation and range. Mann-Whitney test was done to find out the statistical significance of all parameters of orbits, with respect to gender and side (right and left side). Results: The results showed that the length of orbital roof and floor were significantly larger in males than in females. There were no significant differences in between the right and left side orbits. Conclusion: This study has compared the orbital roof and floor length between the genders and between the sides of the skulls. The prior knowledge of the orbital parameters may help to restore the normal anatomy of the orbit during maxillofacial and reconstructive surgeries.

Authors and Affiliations