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Classification of Skull Shape Deformities Related to Craniosynostosis on 3D Photogrammetry
Sophia A J Kronig1, Otto D M Kronig1, Henri A Vrooman2
1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University Medical Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Insights
This study validates the Utrecht Cranial Shape Quantificator (UCSQ) method using 3D photogrammetry for diagnosing craniosynostosis. The diagnostic flowchart accurately identified all 25 infant patients with various skull deformities.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Pediatric Surgery
- Craniofacial Surgery
Background:
- Craniosynostosis, premature fusion of skull sutures, requires accurate diagnosis for timely intervention.
- Traditional methods for diagnosing craniosynostosis can be subjective and time-consuming.
- 3D photogrammetry offers a non-invasive, objective approach to cranial assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To implement and evaluate the Utrecht Cranial Shape Quantificator (UCSQ) classification method using 3D photogrammetry for diagnosing common types of craniosynostosis.
- To assess the accuracy of a diagnostic flowchart based on UCSQ analysis of 3D photogrammetry data.
- To establish an objective, quantitative diagnostic approach for craniosynostosis in infants.
Main Methods:
- Inclusion of 25 infants (<1 year) with common craniosynostoses (scaphocephaly, brachycephaly, trigonocephaly, anterior plagiocephaly).
- 3D photogrammetry data acquired using 3-Matic software (v13.0).
- Application of the Utrecht Cranial Shape Quantificator (UCSQ) method involving landmark placement, plane creation, and sinusoid curve analysis.
Main Results:
- A diagnostic flowchart was developed and tested using the UCSQ method on 3D photogrammetry data.
- The flowchart successfully and accurately diagnosed all 25 patients across different craniosynostosis subgroups.
- Objective, quantifiable measurements derived from 3D photogrammetry facilitated accurate diagnosis.
Conclusions:
- The study successfully implemented and validated a 3D photogrammetry-based diagnostic approach for craniosynostosis using the UCSQ method.
- The proposed diagnostic flowchart provides an objective and accurate method for identifying various types of craniosynostosis.
- This approach enhances diagnostic precision and supports timely surgical intervention in affected infants.
Abstract:
Implementation of the Utrecht Cranial Shape Quantificator (UCSQ) classification method on 3D photogrammetry in patients with different types of craniosynostosis is the aim of the present study. Five children (age <1 year) of every group of the common craniosynostoses (scaphocephaly, brachycephaly, trigonocephaly, right-sided and left-sided anterior plagiocephaly) were randomly included. The program 3-Matic (v13.0) was used to import and analyze the included 3dMD photos. Three external landmarks were placed. Using the landmarks, a base plane was created, as well as a plane 4 cm superior to the base plane. Using UCSQ, we created sinusoid curves of the patients, the resulting curves were analyzed and values were extracted for calculations. Results per patient were run through a diagnostic flowchart in order to determine correctness of the flowchart when using 3D photogrammetry. Each of the patients (n=25) of the different craniosynostosis subgroups is diagnosed correctly based on the different steps in the flowchart. This study proposes and implements a diagnostic approach of craniosynostosis based on 3D photogrammetry. By using a diagnostic flowchart based on specific characteristics for every type of craniosynostosis related to specific skull deformities, diagnosis can be established. All variables are expressed in number and are therefore objective.
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