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Soft-tissue facial morphometry from 6 years to adulthood: a three-dimensional growth study using a new modeling
V F Ferrario1, C Sforza, C E Poggio
1Functional Anatomy Research Center, Istituto di Anatomia Umana Normale, Facolta' di Medicina e Chirurgia, Universita' degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
|March 17, 1999
Summary
This study quantifies facial growth using 3D facial morphometry, revealing significant sex differences in linear facial dimensions, particularly in the middle and lower thirds, with boys showing larger measurements post-puberty.
Area of Science:
- Anthropometry
- Biomedical Engineering
- Orthodontics
Background:
- Quantitative analysis of facial growth is crucial for understanding development and diagnosing conditions.
- Traditional methods often involve invasive procedures or limited data.
- Advancements in 3D imaging offer noninvasive alternatives for facial morphology assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify soft-tissue facial growth changes in healthy individuals.
- To evaluate sex-specific differences in facial growth patterns.
- To establish normative 3D facial data for clinical applications in maxillofacial surgery and orthodontics.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a 3D computerized system for noninvasive, quantitative study of facial growth.
- Collected 3D coordinates of 22 standardized facial landmarks via automated infrared photogrammetry.
- Employed a 3D facial morphometry method in a mixed longitudinal and cross-sectional study of 1348 subjects (2023 examinations).
Main Results:
- Significant differences in linear facial distances between sexes were observed, with boys generally larger than girls after puberty.
- Angular measurements showed less pronounced sexual dimorphism compared to linear distances.
- Girls reached near-adult facial dimensions earlier (12-13 years) than boys, especially in the middle third of the face.
Conclusions:
- 3D facial morphometry provides a noninvasive method for obtaining normative 3D facial data.
- The study identified distinct patterns of facial growth and sexual dimorphism.
- This method can supplement radiographic evaluations for frequent monitoring in pediatric and adolescent patients.