Knowledge of the masseter muscle thickness (MMT) is important in individualizing facial reconstruction as it forms a major part of facial musculature involved in mastication. MMT in two different states (Relaxed: MMT-Relaxed and Clenched: MMT-Clenched) was assessed in a young adult population in Nigeria using ultrasonography. Results show that MMT-Relaxed and MMT-Clenched for the total population were 13.41±3.10mm and 17.03±3.50mm respectively. The value for males in both states was significantly higher than those of their female counterparts (P=0.000) at P<0.05 being level of significance. The values are in slight agreement with previous studies and will serve as a guidepost in further understanding of the morphology and functional aspects of masseter muscle in an African population.

The prevalence of pes planus was determined in an adult Nigerian population in Anambra State, Southeast Nigeria. A total of 649 subjects comprising 325 males and 324 females aged 18-27 years were used for the study. The dynamic footprints of the subjects were obtained using endorsing ink and plain duplicating paper. Based on the objective index developed by Qaura et al, (1980) the contact index II was determined as the ratio of the contact width to the total width of the footprints. Descriptive statistics for each variable included mean and standard deviation (SD). Mean ±1-2SD was regarded as normal but greater than that was considered as pes planus. A total of 45 subjects had pes planus comprising 22 males and 23 females. The overall prevalence of pes planus was 13.9% with a prevalence of 6.8% among males and 7.1% among females. Bilateral pes planus was commoner among males (4.9%) than females (4.0%). Unilateral pes planus was commoner among females (3.1%) compared to males (1.9%). The results showed that the prevalence of pes planus was higher (P<0.05) among females than males in our study.

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