NCJ Number
131261
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 36 Issue: 4 Dated: (July 1991) Pages: 1152-1161
Date Published
1991
Length
10 pages
Annotation
The piriform aperture width (PAW) of 182 skulls of black and white males in the United States was measured and correlated to the soft tissue or interalar width (IAW) to verify current formulas and contribute to more accurate reconstruction methodology.
Abstract
Correlations of IAW to PAW were statistically significant for black males, but not for white males. Although the correlations of IAW and PAW in whites was linear, no explanation was found for the lack of statistical significance. Statistical analysis indicated that nose width prediction formulas currently utilized in facial reconstruction required modification. Two revised formulas were proposed to improve accuracy of reconstruction: the addition prediction formula for ease of use and the multiplication prediction formula for skulls falling outside of the mean range. The addition and multiplication prediction formulas correspond to each other when a subject falls within the mean ranges. This indicates that either formula could be used when doing a reconstruction, and since it is easier, the addition formula would be chosen. However the multiplication prediction formula would provide a more precise individualized nasal width for those skulls outside the mean range. 3 figures, 4 tables, and 36 references (Author abstract modified)