Three-Dimensional Photography for Evaluating the Effectiveness of Botulinum Toxin Injection for Masseter Hypertrophy.

BACKGROUND: Masseter hypertrophy is a common condition that causes a undesirable square face, and often treated with botulinum toxin type A (BoNTA). Subjective assessments of BoNTA effectiveness vary from physician to patient, necessitating an objective approach for evaluation. This study introduces three-dimensional photography (3DP) for the first time in clinical assessment to evaluate BoNTA treatment for masseter hypertrophy. METHODS: Ten patients received 36U of BoNTA at three injection points on each side masseter muscle. 3DP scanner using Artec Eva® was taken at the first, third, and sixth postoperative months for objective evaluation. Patient's self-perceived prominence, patients self-rated satisfaction, and physicians provided 5-grade scores were the subjective indicators. RESULTS: A significant decrease in left masseter volume at the sixth month (P = 0.002, P = 0.004 at rest and clenching, respectively) was observed. Patient's self-perceived prominence decreased at the first (P = 0.021) and third (P = 0.039) months. Physicians' scores significantly decreased at all postoperative months. No significant changes were noted in the right masseter volume and patients self-rated satisfaction. Patient self-rated satisfaction did not consistently correlate with objective measures, except for left masseter with clenching at the sixth month. CONCLUSION: Three-dimensional photography accurately quantifies facial changes post-BoNTA treatment. Despite objective improvements, patient satisfaction may not align consistently. Reliable assessment tools are crucial in cosmetic surgery to manage expectations and prevent disputes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Prospective cohort study on facial profile changes in infants with Robin sequence and healthy controls.

BACKGROUND: Various conservative and surgical approaches exist to treat Robin sequence (RS), but their effects on facial profile and mandibular catch-up growth are unclear. A functional treatment concept, used in our centre for 25 years, includes an individualized palatal plate with a velo-pharyngeal extension and intensive feeding training. METHODS: We performed a prospective study to objectively describe facial profiles in infants with RS treated with the above concept. Infants with isolated RS were admitted to our tertiary perinatal and national referral centre for craniofacial malformations between May 2018 and Nov 2019. Infants with RS received 3D-photographs during clinically indicated visits. Healthy controls were recruited from Dec 2018 to Sep 2019 and received 3D-photographs every 3 months. The digitally measured jaw index (JI), defined as alveolar overjet (O) x maxillary arch (U)/mandibular arch (L), and the soft tissue reference points A'-point, Nasion', B'-point angle (ANB'), describing the relative position of maxilla to mandible, were evaluated. Linear mixed models were used to examine time trajectories in JI and ANB'. RESULTS: A total of 207 3D images, obtained in 19 infants with RS and 32 controls, were analysed. JI and ANB' decreased over time in both groups [for JI - 0.18 (95% CI - 0.25 to - 0.10); for ANB': - 0.40° per month [(95% CI - 0.48 to - 0.32)]] but remained lower in controls [for JI - 2.5 (95% CI - 3.2 to - 1.8); for ANB'-1.7° (95% CI - 2.4 to - 1.0)]. Also, the ANB' model showed a significant effect of the interaction term diagnosis x age. CONCLUSIONS: Based on longitudinal 3D images, we describe changes in objective parameters of facial profile in infants with and without RS during the first year of life. Our findings indicate catch-up growth in infants treated for RS. Video Abstract.

Direct Anthropometry Overestimates Cranial Asymmetry-3D Digital Photography Proves to Be a Reliable Alternative.

This study compared manual and digital measurements of plagiocephaly and brachycephaly in infants and evaluated whether three-dimensional (3D) digital photography measurements can be used as a superior alternative in everyday clinical practice. A total of 111 infants (103 with plagiocephalus and 8 with brachycephalus) were included in this study. Head circumference, length and width, bilateral diagonal head length, and bilateral distance from the glabella to the tragus were assessed by manual assessment (tape measure and anthropometric head calipers) and 3D photographs. Subsequently, the cranial index (CI) and cranial vault asymmetry index (CVAI) were calculated. Measured cranial parameters and CVAI were significantly more precise using 3D digital photography. Manually acquired cranial vault symmetry parameters were at least 5 mm lower than digital measurements. Differences in CI between the two measuring methods did not reach significance, whereas the calculated CVAI showed a 0.74-fold decrease using 3D digital photography and was highly significant (p < 0.001). Using the manual method, CVAI calculations overestimated asymmetry, and cranial vault symmetry parameters were measured too low, contributing to a misrepresentation of the actual anatomical situation. Considering consequential errors in therapy choices, we suggest implementing 3D photography as the primary tool for diagnosing deformational plagiocephaly and positional head deformations.

Foundations of Advanced Neuroanatomy: Technical Guidelines for Specimen Preparation, Dissection, and 3D-Photodocumentation in a Surgical Anatomy Laboratory.

Objective This study was aimed to provide a key update to the seminal works of Prof. Albert L. Rhoton Jr., MD, with particular attention to previously unpublished insights from the oral tradition of his fellows, recent technological advances including endoscopy, and high-dynamic range (HDR) photodocumentation, and, local improvements in technique, we have developed to optimize efficient neuroanatomic study. Methods Two formaldehyde-fixed cadaveric heads were injected with colored latex to demonstrate step-by-step specimen preparation for microscopic or endoscopic dissection. One formaldehyde-fixed brain was utilized to demonstrate optimal three-dimensional (3D) photodocumentation techniques. Results Key steps of specimen preparation include vessel cannulation and securing, serial tap water flushing, specimen drainage, vessel injection with optimized and color-augmented latex material, and storage in 70% ethanol. Optimizations for photodocumentation included the incorporation of dry black drop cloth and covering materials, an imaging-oriented approach to specimen positioning and illumination, and single-camera stereoscopic capture techniques, emphasizing the three-exposure-times-per-eye approach to generating images for HDR postprocessing. Recommended tools, materials, and technical nuances were emphasized throughout. Relative advantages and limitations of major 3D projection systems were comparatively assessed, with sensitivity to audience size and purpose specific recommendations. Conclusion We describe the first consolidated step-by-step approach to advanced neuroanatomy, including specimen preparation, dissection, and 3D photodocumentation, supplemented by previously unpublished insights from the Rhoton fellowship experience and lessons learned in our laboratories in the past years such that Prof. Rhoton's model can be realized, reproduced, and expanded upon in surgical neuroanatomy laboratories worldwide.

Predicting sleep apnea from three-dimensional face photography.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: Craniofacial anatomy is recognized as an important predisposing factor in the pathogenesis of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This study used three-dimensional (3D) facial surface analysis of linear and geodesic (shortest line between points over a curved surface) distances to determine the combination of measurements that best predicts presence and severity of OSA. METHODS: 3D face photographs were obtained in 100 adults without OSA (apnea-hypopnea index [AHI] < 5 events/h), 100 with mild OSA (AHI 5 to < 15 events/h), 100 with moderate OSA (AHI 15 to < 30 events/h), and 100 with severe OSA (AHI ≥ 30 events/h). Measurements of linear distances and angles, and geodesic distances were obtained between 24 anatomical landmarks from the 3D photographs. The accuracy with which different combinations of measurements could classify an individual as having OSA or not was assessed using linear discriminant analyses and receiver operating characteristic analyses. These analyses were repeated using different AHI thresholds to define presence of OSA. RESULTS: Relative to linear measurements, geodesic measurements of craniofacial anatomy improved the ability to identify individuals with and without OSA (classification accuracy 86% and 89% respectively, P < .01). A maximum classification accuracy of 91% was achieved when linear and geodesic measurements were combined into a single predictive algorithm. Accuracy decreased when using AHI thresholds ≥ 10 events/h and ≥ 15 events/h to define OSA although greatest accuracy was always achieved using a combination of linear and geodesic distances. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that 3D photographs of the face have predictive value for OSA and that geodesic measurements enhance this capacity.

Quantitative analysis of facial asymmetry based on three-dimensional photography: a valuable indicator for asymmetrical temporomandibular joint affection in juvenile idiopathic arthritis patients?

BACKGROUND: Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) can cause osseous deformity in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and may impair mandibular growth. This study aimed to evaluate whether facial asymmetry determined clinically or by morphometric analysis of three-dimensional (3D) photographs in JIA patients is associated with an asymmetric affection of theTMJ. METHODS: Of 76 consecutive JIA patients with a mean age of 11.7 years (range: 6.3-17.9), facial asymmetry was evaluated clinically (chin asymmetry, gonion asymmetry), and stereophotogrammetrically with 3D photographs. The facial surfaces were demarcated, then mirrored, superimposed using semi-automated landmarks, and quantitatively assessed (chin asymmetry, Hausdorff distances). Clinical and digital measurements were related to the diagnosis of right and left TMJ involvement derived from magnetic resonance images (MRI). RESULTS: Twenty-seven (34%) patients had an asymmetrical osseous deformity of the TMJ. By clinical evaluation, chin asymmetry was related to asymmetrical osseous destruction (p = 0.02), but gonion asymmetry was not (p = 0.14). In regard to 3D-photograph based morphometric measurements, chin asymmetry was also related to asymmetrical osseous destruction (p = 0.01), but neither the mean (p = 0.06) nor the maximal Hausdorff distance (p = 0.67). Despite the attested significance, none of the chin asymmetry evaluation methods appeared to hold sufficient predictive value (positive predictive values ≤54%; coefficient of determination ≤7%). CONCLUSIONS: For the assessment of facial asymmetry in JIA patients, morphometric measurements originating from 3D-photographs seem to deliver results comparable to the clinical assessment methods. The asymmetry of the face, especially around the chin, appears to be related to asymmetrical TMJ destruction, but none of the investigated measurement methods of the face were able to reliably predict the TMJ affection. Thus, facial asymmetry assessments, both qualitatively in a clinical setting and quantitatively based on 3D-photographs, have limited diagnostic value for TMJ involvement in JIA patients.

Quantitative evaluation of local head malformations from three-dimensional photography: application to craniosynostosis.

The evaluation of head malformations plays an essential role in the early diagnosis, the decision to perform surgery and the assessment of the surgical outcome of patients with craniosynostosis. Clinicians rely on two metrics to evaluate the head shape: head circumference (HC) and cephalic index (CI). However, they present a high inter-observer variability and they do not take into account the location of the head abnormalities. In this study, we present an automated framework to objectively quantify the head malformations, HC, and CI from three-dimensional (3D) photography, a radiation-free, fast and non-invasive imaging modality. Our method automatically extracts the head shape using a set of landmarks identified by registering the head surface of a patient to a reference template in which the position of the landmarks is known. Then, we quantify head malformations as the local distances between the patient's head and its closest normal from a normative statistical head shape multi-atlas. We calculated cranial malformations, HC, and CI for 28 patients with craniosynostosis, and we compared them with those computed from the normative population. Malformation differences between the two populations were statistically significant (p<0.05) at the head regions with abnormal development due to suture fusion. We also trained a support vector machine classifier using the malformations calculated and we obtained an improved accuracy of 91.03% in the detection of craniosynostosis, compared to 78.21% obtained with HC or CI. This method has the potential to assist in the longitudinal evaluation of cranial malformations after surgical treatment of craniosynostosis.

[Accuracy of three-dimensional camera system based on stereophotography on photographic acquisition of deformity facial images].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and analyze the accuracy of three-dimensional camera system acquisition based on stereophotography for the photographic acquisition of images of facial deformities. METHODS: 3D digital models of 45 waxen facial models of patients with facial deformities were obtained via a 3D camera system based on stereophotography. A total of 19 feature lines were measured on each 3D model by using the software. The measurements taken by the coordinate-measuring machine were accepted as standard values. Statistical analysis was performed to evaluate the accuracy of the system and the corresponding factors. RESULTS: Statistical analysis results showed that the measured values of the characteristic distance obtained by 3D camera system were statistically different from the standard values (P<0.001). Convex deformities had significant influence on the measuring error of 3D camera system (P<0.05), while cleft deformities had no significant influence on the measuring error (P>0.05). The facial regions significantly influenced measuring error (P<0.05). The deformities had no significant influence on the percentage of measurement values (P>0.05). The middle facial regions had significant difference with bilateral facial regions on the percentage of measurement values (P<0.05), while the left and right facial regions had no significant difference (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The accuracy of 3D camera system based on stereophotography for the photographic acquisition of facial deformities are influenced by the morphology of the facial deformities and facial regions. Moreover, the measuring error is acceptable in clinical settings.

Accuracy of three-dimensional camera system based on stereophotography on photographic acquisition of deformity facial images / 华西口腔医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate and analyze the accuracy of three-dimensional camera system acquisition based on stereophotography for the photographic acquisition of images of facial deformities.@*METHODS@#3D digital models of 45 waxen facial models of patients with facial deformities were obtained via a 3D camera system based on stereophotography. A total of 19 feature lines were measured on each 3D model by using the software. The measurements taken by the coordinate-measuring machine were accepted as standard values. Statistical analysis was performed to evaluate the accuracy of the system and the corresponding factors.@*RESULTS@#Statistical analysis results showed that the measured values of the characteristic distance obtained by 3D camera system were statistically different from the standard values (P0.05). The facial regions significantly influenced measuring error (P0.05). The middle facial regions had significant difference with bilateral facial regions on the percentage of measurement values (P0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#The accuracy of 3D camera system based on stereophotography for the photographic acquisition of facial deformities are influenced by the morphology of the facial deformities and facial regions. Moreover, the measuring error is acceptable in clinical settings.

Construction and application of three-dimensional average face of Han women in northern China in facial aging morphology study / 中华整形外科杂志

Objective@#To construct the three-dimensional (3D) average face of Han women of different age groups in northern China.@*Methods@#From October 2016 to May 2017, a total of 187 facial 3D photographs of Han women aged from 20 to 65 in northern China were collected, using 3D photography technology. The subjects were divided into four groups according to their ages. The reverse engineering software and mathematical modeling software were used to construct the three-dimensional average faces of each group. Subjective description, deviation analysis and linear measurements were performed to analyze the facial morphology changing with age.@*Results@#(1) The average faces of the twenties and thirties showed insignificantly differences in periorbital area and cheilion. Those in the thirties and forties showed loosen of upper eyelids, obvious depression in frontal and temporal area, and downward and backward movement of lower face. The differences between the forties and fifties could be described as sagging and dropping, which may be caused by the drooping of facial soft tissue. They were most obvious in the lateral upper eyelid, followed by nasolabial groove and ridge, lips and chin. (2) The average epicanthus and ocular width narrowed with age, however, nasal width, height and length increased. Oral width and philtrum length significantly increased with age, accompanying with decreased upper and lower vermilion height.@*Conclusions@#The facial morphology of Han women in northern China changed most significantly when they in their forties. Facial soft tissue sagging and dropping mainly occurred in their fifties. The construction of 3D average face can be clinically applied and show the common facial features of a specific population. It has the potential to be applied in a variety of clinical studies in the future. Our findings can be used as guidance of facial rejuvenation treatment.

Utilization of Three-Dimensional Photography (VECTRA) for the Evaluation of Lower Limb Lymphedema in Patients Following Lymphovenous Anastomosis.

Purposes: Conventionally, lower limb circumference is measured using a measuring tape; however, a measuring tape may not provide sufficient precision to measure the magnitude of the lymphedema. We report the use of three-dimensional photography (VECTRA®) for the evaluation of lymphedema in patients after lymphovenous anastomosis (LVA). Methods: We calculated the percent error in measuring lower limb circumference with a measuring tape. We performed VECTRA before and after LVA and measured the change in volume. Because of the limitation of photographic range, the measurement of the entire lower limb was difficult using this approach. We were limited to thigh measurements. Results: The ratio of error was calculated using the largest and smallest mean measurements. The largest measurement errors, 4.3%-5.8%, were observed for the measurement of thigh circumferences, whereas the smallest measurement errors, 2.3%-2.9%, were observed in the foot and lower leg areas. The change in volume postoperatively measured using VECTRA decreased by an average of 35.1 cc. Conclusions: The evaluation with a measuring tape for the foot and lower leg region was useful because a lesser content of soft tissue was not influenced to the error by power. Contrarily, VECTRA was useful for measuring the thigh region because of the higher quantity of soft tissue, and the combination of both reduced the error.

Radiation-free quantification of head malformations in craniosynostosis patients from 3D photography.

The evaluation of cranial malformations plays an essential role both in the early diagnosis and in the decision to perform surgical treatment for craniosynostosis. In clinical practice, both cranial shape and suture fusion are evaluated using CT images, which involve the use of harmful radiation on children. Three-dimensional (3D) photography offers non-invasive, radiation-free, and anesthetic-free evaluation of craniofacial morphology. The aim of this study is to develop an automated framework to objectively quantify cranial malformations in patients with craniosynostosis from 3D photography. We propose a new method that automatically extracts the cranial shape by identifying a set of landmarks from a 3D photograph. Specifically, it registers the 3D photograph of a patient to a reference template in which the position of the landmarks is known. Then, the method finds the closest cranial shape to that of the patient from a normative statistical shape multi-atlas built from 3D photographs of healthy cases, and uses it to quantify objectively cranial malformations. We calculated the cranial malformations on 17 craniosynostosis patients and we compared them with the malformations of the normative population used to build the multi-atlas. The average malformations of the craniosynostosis cases were 2.68 ± 0.75 mm, which is significantly higher (p<0.001) than the average malformations of 1.70 ± 0.41 mm obtained from the normative cases. Our approach can support the quantitative assessment of surgical procedures for cranial vault reconstruction without exposing pediatric patients to harmful radiation.

Percentage volume maintenance in autologous fat graft breast augmentation / 中华医学美学美容杂志

Objective To analyze factors of volume maintenance percentage after autologous fat grafting breast augmentation.Methods From March 2011 to December 2014,39 patients were included.Age,BMI,donor site,breast preoperative volume,whether or not application of Brava and water-jet-assisted liposuction were collected as variables.We performed multivariate regression and univariate regression analyses in a general linear regression model and multilevel linear regression model to identify significant factors.Results The mean percentage of volume maintenance was (34± 12) ％.In univariate regression analysis,rate of volume maintenace was decreased 3.3％ as increase of age per 5 years;Brava application increased volume maintenace,compared with donor sites of the back and abdomen 8.4％ (40.7％ vs 32.3％,P＜0.05),application of leg fat increased by 9.6％ of volume maintenace (39.1％ vs 29.5％,P＜0.05).In the multivariate regression analysis,Brava use increased volume maintenance of 6.2％ (P＜0.05);use of leg fat increased by 6.0 ％ of volume maintenace as compared with donor sites of the back and abdomen (P＜0.05).Conclusions The age,Brava,and donor site are significant impact factors to percentage volume maintenance in autologous fat graft breast augmentation.

[Modern technologies in cranio-maxillofacial surgery]. / Moderne Technologien in der Mund-, Kiefer- und Gesichtschirurgie.

Modern technologies are influencing medicine everyday. The oral and maxillofacial surgery meet the worlds from medicine and dentistry. So technologies from both fields are utilized. This article provides an overview about technologies in clinical use, which are typical for the specialty. Their principles and indications are described as well as benefits and limitations. Based on Cone Beam Computed Tomography image fusion and mirroring techniques are explained as well as patient specific models and implants, template guided and free surgical navigation with and without intraoperative three-dimensional imaging. An overall assessment reveals further need of research regarding indications and patient benefit.

Les technologies modernes influencent la médecine chaque jour. La chirurgie orale et maxillofaciale sont à disposition tant de la médecine que de la dentisterie, d'où un partage des technologies. Cet article a pour but de revoir les technologies typiques de la chirurgie orale et maxillofaciale chirurgie utilisées en clinique. Leurs principes et indications sont décrites, de même que leurs bénéfices et leurs limitations. Les scanners à faisceau conique fournissent des modèles spécifiques aux patients permettant la fabrication d'implants. Ils procurent aussi une imagerie tridimensionnelle qui peut être utile en dehors ou au cous d'une opération. Il apparaît qu'il existe encore aujourd'hui un besoin de recherche en ce qui concerne les indications de l'imagerie à faisceau conique et son bénéfice pour le malade.