Determination of Age-Related Variations with Orbital Dimensions of the Orbit Based on Plain Radiographs of Nigerians: A 5-Year Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction: Cephalometry has been widely used in substantial aspects of medicine. The morphometric assessment of the orbit and familiarity with its anatomy is significant clinically in the diagnosis of lesions in the orbit and reconstructive surgeries of the face. There is an important link between diagnostic radiology and ophthalmology. Most previous studies use direct techniques on living, cadaveric specimens, or dry bones to assess the orbital dimensions.

Aim: To determine the relationship between the orbital dimensions and the increase in age.

Materials and Methods: A 5-year retrospective cross-sectional study using 255 normal skull radiographs obtained from the Department of Diagnostic Radiology of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital was done. The radiographs were visualized on an illuminator and measurements of the orbital dimensions were made with the aid of a transparent ruler and a pencil.
Results: The orbital dimensions of the subjects used in this study in relation to their age groups revealed a steady rise in the dimensions with the increase in age until the age range of 51-60 years when it reaches the peak value and then gradually declines. In the measurement of the interorbital distance in relation to age, it was similarly found to increase with increasing age of the subjects however reaching its peak at the age range of 31-40 years then gradually dropping.

Conclusions: The orbital dimensions show a positive correlation with increasing age.