Anthropological and forensic significance of facial soft tissue thickness in Montenegrin population

Abstract

A lack of soft tissue leads to difficulties in facial reconstruction and further identification in the absence of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid), finger print and dental data. If these data are not available, then identification based on facial soft tissue thickness (FSTT) is the next reliable method. There is no data in the literature about facial soft tissue thickness in Montenegrin population. Once the measurement is performed, a software algorithm based on the multidetector computerized tomography (MDCT) imaged bone structures and use of FSTT would be able to provide a useful picture of the face for identification purposes. This prospective research was performed by MDCT head examinations of 83 adults aged 18–85, living in Montenegro. The FSTT was measured at eight central points (glabella (GL), nasion (NA), rhinion (RHI), mid-philtrum (MID), upper lip (UL), lower lip (LL), mental eminence (ME), and the point beneath the chin (BC)), and five bilateral points (frontal tubers (FT), supraorbital (SO), external orbital marginal point (EX), zygomatic arch (ZY), and middle masseter (MST)). It was observed that the points RHI, MID, UL, LL, ME, FT, SO and MST are thicker in men compared to women. With an increase in BMI, FSTT in the central points also increases, as well as bilaterally at the ZY, FT, SO and MST points. With aging, there is an increase of the thickness of the FSTT at the RHI and bilaterally at the EX and ZY, while at the MID, LL and MST, the thickness decreases with aging, in both sexes.