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Quantitative Assessment Protocol for Facial Soft Tissue Volumetric Changes with Stereophotogrammetry
Published on: December 9, 2025
Soft-tissue volumetric changes following monobloc distraction procedure: analysis using digital three-dimensional
Fuan Chiang Chan1, Henry K Kawamoto, Christina Federico
1University of California-Los Angeles Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA.
The Journal of Craniofacial Surgery
|March 26, 2013
Summary
Monobloc distraction osteogenesis significantly increases midface soft-tissue volume, with changes remaining stable one year post-surgery. This technique offers predictable soft-tissue gains correlated with skeletal advancement for syndromic craniosynostosis.
Area of Science:
- Craniofacial Surgery
- Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Monobloc advancement via distraction osteogenesis offers advantages over acute bone grafting.
- Understanding soft-tissue volumetric changes is crucial for surgical planning in syndromic craniosynostosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the three-dimensional (3D) volumetric soft-tissue changes following monobloc distraction osteogenesis.
- To assess the stability of these soft-tissue changes over time.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 12 patients with syndromic craniosynostosis undergoing monobloc distraction.
- Analysis of computed tomography (CT) scans and digital 3D photogrammetry for skeletal and soft-tissue volumetric measurements.
- Preoperative, 6-week postoperative, and >1-year follow-up assessments.
Main Results:
- Mean skeletal advancement was 19.4 mm, with a mean 3D skeletal change of 108.9 cm³.
- Significant increases in 3D soft-tissue volume were observed: 99.5 cm³ at 6 weeks and 94.9 cm³ at 1 year.
- Minimal soft-tissue relapse occurred between 6 weeks and 1 year post-surgery.
Conclusions:
- Monobloc distraction osteogenesis leads to substantial and stable volumetric soft-tissue increases in the midface.
- A positive linear correlation exists between skeletal gain and soft-tissue gain, aiding surgical outcome prediction.
- This technique provides predictable aesthetic results for patients with syndromic craniosynostosis.
