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A Quantitative Analysis of Facial Asymmetry in Torticollis Using 3-Dimensional Photogrammetry
Vanessa M Baratta1, Olivia E Linden2, Margaret E Byrne3
1Department of General Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
Summary
Children with torticollis exhibit significantly greater facial asymmetry compared to their peers. Three-dimensional (3D) photogrammetry quantified this asymmetry, affecting all facial thirds.
Area of Science:
- Craniofacial surgery
- Pediatric plastic surgery
- Medical imaging
Background:
- Torticollis, a condition causing head tilt, may be associated with facial asymmetry.
- Quantifying facial asymmetry in children with torticollis is crucial for understanding its impact.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantitatively assess facial asymmetry in children with torticollis compared to age-matched controls.
- To utilize three-dimensional (3D) photogrammetry for precise asymmetry measurement.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 20 patients with torticollis and 12 controls.
- 3D photogrammetry using the Canfield Vectra system to capture facial surface scans.
- Calculation of root mean square deviation (RMSD) between native and reflected facial images to measure asymmetry.
Main Results:
- Patients with torticollis demonstrated statistically significant greater facial asymmetry in the full face, upper, and middle thirds compared to controls.
- A trend towards greater asymmetry was observed in the lower facial third, though it did not reach statistical significance.
Conclusions:
- Three-dimensional (3D) photogrammetry effectively quantifies facial asymmetry in children with torticollis.
- Children with torticollis exhibit more pronounced facial asymmetry across all facial regions than their unaffected peers.
