Comparison of Techniques Used to Locate the Malar Eminence

Abstract

Introduction The malar eminence is of surgical interest for several reasons including facial trauma, esthetics and congenital anomalies. Objective To compare several techniques developed to locate the malar eminence on live subjects. Methods An initial trial involving 30 men and women located the malar eminence using Hinderer's, Wilkinson's, Powell's and maxillozygion methods. A subsequent trial used a custom-made measuring device called the anthropometer to examine 11 volunteers. In this part of the study, only Hinderer's and Wilkinson's methods of intersecting lines were used in addition to the palpated maxillozygion. The location of the three points was recorded relative to the vertex, opisthocranion and facial midline. Results During the initial trial, it was recognized that Powell's method of intersecting lines describes a point too lateral to use concomitantly with the other methods of intersecting lines. The distances of Hinderer's, Wilkinson's and Powell's points from the maxillozygion were 8.5±2.9 mm, 7.6±3.3 mm and 28.4±4.8 mm, respectively. In the second part of the study, Hinderer's point, in general, is medial and inferior to the maxillozygion, while Wilkinson's point is lateral and an equal distance from the vertex as the maxillozygion. The three points appear to be randomly interspersed in their distances from the opisthocranion. Conclusions By combining the techniques of intersecting lines and direct palpation, a more comprehensive evaluation of the malar complex can be made. This is especially true in cases where there exists an asymmetry in the bony skeleton that is then compensated by the overlying soft tissues.