Nasofacial Anthropometry and Ethnic Identity in Meghalaya, Northeast India: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Nasofacial anthropometry plays a vital role in identification, racial analysis, reconstructive surgeries, and respirator design. Craniofacial abnormalities are common in the Southeast Asian region. The state of Meghalaya is in Northeast India, with its population different from neighboring states and East Asia. With no previous studies among adults of Meghalaya population, this study was undertaken to analyze the nasofacial anthropometric features. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study conducted from 2022 to 2023 measured face length (FL), face width (FW), facial Index (FI), nasal length (NL), nasal width (NW), nasal index (NI), philtrum distance (PD), and commissural distance (CD). Results: One hundred and four adults from Meghalaya were selected. Khasi, Garo, and Jaintia communities constituted 51 (49%), 27 (26%), and 26 (25%), respectively. The mean ± standard deviation of age was 29.5 ± 8.4 years. The mean FI was 98.13 (hyperleptoprosopic). The common face types were hyperleptoprosopic (52%) and mesoprosopic (20%). Khasi showed leptoprosopic; Garo and Jaintia showed hyperleptoprosopic type. The mean NI was 72.2 (mesorrhine). The common nose types were leptorrhine (46%) and mesorrhine (44%). Khasi and Garo showed mesorrhine, whereas Jaintia showed leptorrhine type. A statistically significant difference was noted between Jaintia and Garo in FL and FI; Jaintia and Khasi in FL, FI, NL, NW, and PD; Garo and Khasi in FL, FI, NL, NW, and PD. Conclusion: We believe that our study provides a comprehensive assessment of nasofacial anthropometry in the ethnic adults of Meghalaya, filling a gap in existing research. The identified variations highlight the necessity of population-specific anthropometric standards, particularly in forensic analysis and surgical interventions aimed at preserving ethnic characteristics.