Determination of cephalic index and shape of head in adult female students in Birjand city during 2013

Cephalometery, as one of the most significant section of anthropometry examines the facial and cephalic indeces. Since the measurements are affected by geographical factors, gender, age, and race, the obtained results are based on the community under study. Regarding lack of investigations on cephalometry in Birjand, the present study aimed at determining cephalic indexes and standard classification of neurocranium in 15-17 year old female students in the city in 2013. This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 437 healthy female 15-17 year old students in Birjand during 2013, who were selected through cluster sampling. Then, cephalic indices of the subjects were determined using standard Martin Scale Cephalometer, according to Gray's Anatomy Cephalometric Method. The obtained data were collected according were analyzed using SPSS soft ware (V:13). Mean maximum head length and breadth in the subjects were found to be 177.6±7.54mm and 141.6±5.84mm, respectively. Total neurocranium index was determined 79.88±4.64 mm. The head shape of 43% of the individuals was mesocephalic, %33/4 brachycephalic, %12/12 hyperbrachycephalic and %11/44 dolichocephalic. The present study on cephalometry revealed that adult female students in Birjand city mostly have a mesocephalic phenotype.