Picture Perfect? Reliability of Craniofacial Anthropometry Using Three-Dimensional Digital Stereophotogrammetry

• DOI: 10.1097/prs.0b013e3181b454bd
• Publication Date: 2010-01-27T06:38:28Z
• Authors: Carrie L. Heike; Michael L. Cunnin...; Anne V. Hing; Erik Stuhaug; Jacqueline R. Starr
• Keywords: Calipers; Craniofacial abnormality; Intra-rater reliability; Inter-Rater Reliability; Brachycephaly; Hemifacial microsomia; Craniofacial surgery

Background: Quantification of facial characteristics is important for research in dysmorphology, otolaryngology, oral and maxillofacial, plastic surgical disciplines, among others. Three-dimensional surface imaging systems offer a quick practical method quantifying craniofacial variation appear to be highly reliable. However, some sources measurement error have not yet been thoroughly evaluated. Methods: The authors assessed the reliability using stereophotogrammetry measuring 40 individuals, including 20 without conditions with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. recruited staff relatives staff, individuals laboratory-confirmed deletion. Thirty anthropometric measurements were obtained on participants three-dimensional images. Results: Intrarater interrater most interlandmark distances images had intraclass correlation coefficients greater than 95 percent, mean absolute differences less 1 mm, relative 5, technical mm. Pearson 0.9 suggest high intermethod between direct image-based measurements. systematically larger head length width, forehead, skull base widths, upper lower widths. Conclusions: This study provides further evidence several measurements, landmarks included previous studies. also discuss possible errors introduced palpable when working compliant participants, such as children. guidelines establishing protocols that can tailored each population question maximize accuracy