Methods to Quantify Soft-Tissue Based Facial Growth and Treatment Outcomes in Children: A Systematic Review

Abstract

ContextTechnological advancements have led craniofacial researchers and clinicians into the era of three-dimensional digital imaging for quantitative evaluation of craniofacial growth and treatment outcomes.ObjectiveTo give an overview of soft-tissue based methods for quantitative longitudinal assessment of facial dimensions in children until six years of age and to assess the reliability of these methods in studies with good methodological quality.Data SourcePubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Scopus and CINAHL were searched. A hand search was performed to check for additional relevant studies.Study SelectionPrimary publications on facial growth and treatment outcomes in children younger than six years of age were included.Data ExtractionIndependent data extraction by two observers. A quality assessment instrument was used to determine the methodological quality. Methods, used in studies with good methodological quality, were assessed for reliability expressed as the magnitude of the measurement error and the correlation coefficient between repeated measurements.ResultsIn total, 47 studies were included describing 4 methods: 2D x-ray cephalometry; 2D photography; anthropometry; 3D imaging techniques (surface laser scanning, stereophotogrammetry and cone beam computed tomography). In general the measurement error was below 1 mm and 1° and correlation coefficients range from 0.65 to 1.0.ConclusionVarious methods have shown to be reliable. However, at present stereophotogrammetry seems to be the best 3D method for quantitative longitudinal assessment of facial dimensions in children until six years of age due to its millisecond fast image capture, archival capabilities, high resolution and no exposure to ionizing radiation.

A population-based cross-sectional study of the association between facial morphology and cardiometabolic risk factors in adolescence

“…3 So far, a large spectrum of medical disciplines have utilised these methods in the investigations of facial growth, facial dysmorphology, craniofacial identification, as well as the influence of different medical conditions on facial phenotype. [4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12] Therefore, an exciting opportunity has occurred to explore whether facial characteristics can serve as new diagnostic measures of illnesses. Childhood obesity is becoming an epidemic health problem.…”

Accuracy and reliability of 3D stereophotogrammetry: A comparison to direct anthropometry and 2D photogrammetry

“…The advantages of this method are the lack of motion artifacts because of the short imaging time, high color resolution, and the opportunity for administration without harming patients for repeated analyses, quick configuration, imaging via advanced software, ease of archiving, and 3D storage of patient images. 15,16 When 3D stereophotogrammetry devices become affordable and easily available, the method could become a routine procedure in orthodontic practice. Therefore, the present study aimed to compare three measurement methods and evaluate the accuracy of 3D stereophotogrammetry (3dMDflex System, 3dMD, Atlanta, Ga) by comparing it with direct anthropometry.…”

3D stereophotogrammetry facial analysis of Angle I subjects: gender comparison

“…According to Brons et al 24 and Metzler et al 16 the speed in the pictures capture speed significantly reduces possible distortions due to the individual drive, which facilitates work done with children. There is no need for contact with the facial surface, thus prevents changes in soft tissues, which could cause errors in direct measurement 2,7 .…”