ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Published Online: 1 September 1987
Page Count: 26

The Lateral Craniographic Method of Facial Reconstruction
George, RM
Lecturer, The University of Chicago, IL

(Received 7 October 1986; accepted 29 December 1986)

Abstract

Fifty-four lateral cephalographs with clear soft tissue profiles of American Caucasians (17 males, ages 14 to 36; 37 females, ages 14 to 34) were traced and measured to establish the ranges and means of midline soft tissue depths and facial angles. With these data it is possible to reconstruct “approximate” profiles over X-ray tracings of unidentified skulls. The lateral craniographic method of facial reconstruction requires four steps: (1) a cephalometric analysis is first made to determine the facial proportions and individual skull type; (2) the mean soft tissue thicknesses and angles are then plotted against the basic midline anthropometric points to establish the average dimensions of the nose, lips, and chin; (3) the points are connected and “harmonized” in accordance with the known anthropological data (sex, age, race); and (4) the profile is finally “humanized” by adding tone, a stylized eye, hair patterns, age lines, and any other features that can be determined from an anatomic examination of the skull. The validity of the method is illustrated with three study cases of living orthodontic patients.

Keywords:
physical anthropology, facial reconstruction, X-ray analysis, cephalometry, graphic illustration

Paper ID: JFS11181J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS11181J
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