Abstract:
The cranial index (CI) of Ghanaians is currently unknown. The aim of this study was to
measure the CI in a population of Ghanaians in order to classify them against
pre-determined CI categories. A systematic random sampling method was used to select
300 normal computed tomography (CT) head scans of adult Ghanaians from the largest
hospital in Ghana. All patients were deemed to have a normal cranial image configuration
based on the radiological report. The biparietal diameter (BPD, width) and the
occipitofrontal diameter (OFD, length) were measured on transaxial CT images using a
workstation with a calibrated measurement calliper tool. The CI ratio was calculated as
the BPD multiplied by 100 and divided by the OFD. Mean, standard deviation (SD) and
range were calculated for BPD, OFD and CI. Differences in measurements between
demographic groups were compared using an unpaired t-test, with test α set at 0.05.
Of the population of Ghanaians included in this study, 165 (55%) were male and 135
(45%) were females. The mean CI was 77.3±3.6 in males and 79.0±3.3 in females, placing
both genders in the mesocephalic category. However, the difference between males and
females was found to be statistically significant (P=0.02). The study indicated that most
Ghanaian adults belong to the mesocephalic category of CI. Females also had a higher
CI, which could be used to differentiate gender groups. This information can be useful
for forensic medicine, plastic surgeries for clinical and research purpose.
