Artikel
A new morphometric method to assess and control the craniofacial shape in craniosynostosis patients
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Autoren
Veröffentlicht: | 20. Mai 2009 |
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Gliederung
Text
Objective: A new 3D morphometric method basing on a photographic holography technique is able to provide exact metric information about craniofacial shape and volume in patients with head deformities avoiding the disadvantages of radiation.
Methods: A 3D camera-mirror system scans the craniofacial surface and correlates it to metric values. The digitalized data can be processed according to measures and metric calculations needed. Objective changes in volume are demonstrated and changes of shape and contour can be visualized during follow-up. 30 consecutive paediatric patients with premature craniosynostosis of different types are prospectively enrolled in this observational study. A preop scan as well as follow-up scans at 3, 6 and 12 months are obtained and evaluated regarding objective values.
Results: All patients showed an augmentation of the craniofacial volume postoperatively and consecutive growth of head during the follow-up period. Asymmetrical deformities showed a stable symmetric appearance and cephalic indices remained in sufficient ranges. The scanning was well tolerated and less time consuming compared to 3D CT scans under anaesthesia or sedation.
Conclusions: This new morphometric method is suitable for the assessment and follow-up evaluation of craniofacial deformities and has the great advantage of avoiding radiation and anaesthesia for diagnostic procedures especially in young children.