MORPHOMETRIC CHARACTERISTICS OF THE MARGINAL TUBERCLE OF THE ZYGOMATIC BONE IN THE ELDERLY
Abstract
The objective of this study was to assess the morphometric parameters of the marginal tubercle of the zygomatic bone in elderly individuals, to compare measurements between the right and left sides, and to analyze sex sex-related differences.
A retrospective analysis was conducted using computed tomography (CT) scans of 91 elderly patients (51 females and 40 males) obtained from the archive of the Radiology Department of the Teaching Surgery Clinic at Azerbaijan Medical University. Imaging was performed using a Toshiba Aquilion CXL CT scanner. Morphometric measurements were carried out using the
RadiAnt DICOM Viewer software, and statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26.0.
The results revealed no statistically significant difference between the right and left sides in males (p = 0.775), indicating bilateral symmetry of the marginal tubercle. In contrast, females exhibited statistically significant asymmetry (p < 0.05). A strong correlation was found between the size of the marginal tubercle and the orbital width in females (R ² = 0.91; r ≈ 0.43 0.43–0.46), whereas in males, a weak but statistically significant correlation was observed only on the right side (r = 0.188; p < 0.05). These findings indicate a pronounced lateral asymmetry in marginal tubercle morphology in elderly females, with a clearer relationship between its dimensions and orbital width. In males, the tubercle displayed greater bilateral symmetry. These sex sex-specific differences are likely influenced by genetic and hormonal factors, consistent with previous anthropological observations. The morphometric data obtained in this study have important implications for anthropology, clinical practice, and radiological evaluation. Recognition of anatomical variation in the marginal tubercle may facilitate more individualized approaches in craniofacial trauma management, neurosurgical planning, and reconstructive procedures. Furthermore, the findings may prove useful in the diagnosis of craniofacial anomalies, population population-based anthropological studies, and forensic identification.
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Keywords
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