Estimating Maxillary Sinus Volume Using Smartphone Camera

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Maxillofacial Surgery
• Medical Imaging
• Digital Health

Background:

• Traditional imaging techniques for maxillary sinus volume estimation, such as Computed Tomography (CT), involve significant healthcare costs and radiation exposure.
• There is a need for accessible, non-invasive, and cost-effective methods for assessing maxillary sinus dimensions in clinical practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and validate a novel method for estimating maxillary sinus volume utilizing smartphone technology.
• To provide an accessible and patient-friendly alternative to conventional imaging techniques for sinus volume assessment.

Main Methods:

• A comparative analysis was conducted between Computed Tomography (CT) and 3D facial scans obtained using an Apple iPhone on 40 participants.
• Apple's ARKit was employed for 3D facial mesh modeling, estimating sinus dimensions based on craniofacial landmarks.
• Maxillary sinus volume was calculated using a geometric approximation derived from the 3D facial scan data.

Main Results:

• A high degree of agreement was observed between CT and smartphone face scans for estimating maxillary sinus dimensions.
• Mean Absolute Percentage Errors (MAPE) for width, height, depth, and volume were within acceptable ranges (e.g., Volume MAPE: 10.429 ± 7.409%).
• The results indicate the feasibility of this non-invasive smartphone-based approach for clinical applications.

Conclusions:

• The developed smartphone-based method offers a viable, non-invasive alternative for estimating maxillary sinus volume.
• This approach aligns with telemedicine trends, potentially reducing healthcare costs and radiation exposure associated with CT scans.
• The integration of smartphone technology represents a significant advancement in otolaryngology and maxillofacial surgery, paving the way for innovative diagnostic solutions.