Validation of Stereophotogrammetry of the Human Torso

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine if measurements of breast morphology computed from three-dimensional (3D) stereophotogrammetry are equivalent to traditional anthropometric measurements obtained directly on a subject using a tape measure. 3D torso images of 23 women ranged in age from 36 to 63 who underwent or were scheduled for breast reconstruction surgery were obtained using a 3dMD torso system (3Q Technologies Inc., Atlanta, GA). Two different types (contoured and line-of-sight distances) of a total of nine distances were computed from 3D images of each participant. Each participant was photographed twice, first without fiducial points marked (referred to as unmarked image) and second with fiducial points marked prior to imaging (referred to as marked image). Stereophotogrammetry was compared to traditional direct anthropometry, in which measurements were taken with a tape measure on participants. Three statistical analyses were used to evaluate the agreement between stereophotogrammetry and direct anthropometry. Seven out of nine distances showed excellent agreement between stereophotogrammetry and direct anthropometry (both marked and unmarked images). In addition, stereophotogrammetry from the unmarked image was equivalent to that of the marked image (both line-of-sight and contoured distances). A lower level of agreement was observed for some measures because of difficulty in localizing more vaguely defined fiducial points, such as lowest visible point of breast mound, and inability of the imaging system in capturing areas obscured by the breast, such as the inframammary fold. Stereophotogrammetry from 3D images obtained from the 3dMD torso system is effective for quantifying breast morphology. Tools for surgical planning and evaluation based on stereophotogrammetry have the potential to improve breast surgery outcomes.

Review of three-dimensional (3D) surface imaging for oncoplastic, reconstructive and aesthetic breast surgery

“…Studies have validated the accuracy of mammometrics compared with traditional direct anthropomorphic measurements [31]. Bland-Altman plots illustrated excellent agreement for many of the measurements, however when the landmarks from which measurements are taken are ill-defined the agreement is reduced [50].…”

Automated spatial alignment of 3D torso images

“…For example, quantitativ the use of distances between fidu landmarks) to define breast ap symmetry [1] and ptosis [2]. Autom distances requires automated identif The fiducial point localization pr image being orthogonal to the view is often difficult to ensure in practic is performed based on the principl [4], and may result in an oblique v [5]. Figure 1A presents an image of the DSP 800 (3Q Technologies, Atl the non-upright view of the t positioning of the patient can vary fr other, thereby adding to the un orientation.…”

Multi-view stereophotogrammetry for post-mastectomy breast reconstruction

“…Bilateral mastectomy is increasingly being used as a risk reduction measure for the carriers of the breast cancer gene who have a high risk of developing breast cancer; and as a planned management strategy for unilateral cancer [1]. Current breast cancer treatment encompasses not only surgical removal of the tumor and medical adjuvant and neo-adjuvant therapies, but also an increasing emphasis lies on improving of a woman's quality of life [2]. Breast reconstruction plays an important role to restore breast symmetry following partial and total mastectomy procedures that result in abnormal volume, shape, and contours of breast with the aim of creating aesthetically pleasing and symmetrical breasts [3].…”

“…The captured breast shapes presented with a lack of data around the infra mammary fold. The infra mammary fold was visualized as holes in the images that led to poor agreement between the assessments made directly on the patients [2]. Hence multi-view stereo imaging photogrammetry was applied in order to capture the entire area of each breast.…”

“…Threedimensional imaging techniques, such as structured light projections [10,11], 3D laser scanning [4,12,13,14] and 3D stereo photogrammetry imaging [2,3,15,16] have been applied on patients' breast measurement that enable a surgeon to obtain quantitative breast measurements [17]; to make volumetric calculations and to visually and quantitatively assess reconstructed breasts. 3D X-ray imaging [18] was applied on 3D reconstruction of spine [19,20], but it was radioactive and captured shapes only.…”