[Biometric and morphometric analyse of the umbilicus: about 70 cases]

Abstract

Purpose of the study: More than the first scar present from the birth, the umbilicus is the original and fundamental element, which characterizes the abdomen. It can be analyzed under various aspects: symbolic, artistic, anatomical and morphometric. Its place takes on all its importance in frame of the abdominal plastic surgery. We tried to measure how the position of the umbilicus varies with the age, the weight or the sex… to optimize our abdominoplasties.

Patients and method: We realized a study on the umbilicus from 70 persons to determine its abdominal position in the general population. Some objective measurements between bones projections and umbilicus were realized and analyzed with various parameters (weight, age especially…). Depth of the umbilicus, its situation compared the median line, its dimensions, were noted for each patient.

Results: Population was composed of 39 women and 31 men, 35.4 years on average. The umbilicus was measured one centimeter under the line joining the top of the iliac crest. In the group of men, its situated lower. We noted a positive correlation between body mass index (BMI) and height of the umbilicus. More the BMI increases, lower is the umbilicus (R=0,72, P<10(-5)). Similarly, the umbilicus is lower when the age increases (R=0,36, P=0,0022). Its average depth was 15 mm, correlated to BMI (R=0,60, P<10(-7)). Some data about dimensions and form were precised.

Conclusion: This anatomical and morphometric study could allow a more precise determination of the position, dimensions and form of the umbilicus during abdominoplasty.