Objective assessment of the accuracy of computer-simulated imaging in rhinoplasty.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of the study was to evaluate the accuracy by which computer-simulated rhinoplasty images reflect surgical results in 6-month postoperative photographs.


METHODS
We performed a retrospective, objective evaluation of 5 features of the facial profile in the computer-simulated images and in the 6-month postoperative photographs of 36 rhinoplasty patients. Data recorded for the nasolabial angle, nasofrontal angle, columella tip angle, columella/infratip lobule ratio, and an established method of assessing tip projection were subjected to statistical analysis by 2-tailed t test and analysis of variance testing.


RESULTS
Simulated and actual measurements of columella tip angle were found to be significantly different (P = .021). The set of measurements taken from computer-simulated images at the nasolabial angle (P = .301), nasofrontal angle (P = .471), columellar/infratip lobule ratio (P = .402), and tip projection ratio (P = .547) were not statistically different from the respective measurements recorded from the 6-month follow-up images.


CONCLUSIONS
No significant difference was found between the measurements recorded from computer-simulated images and those recorded from 6-month postoperative photographs in 4 of the 5 features of the facial profile studied. The accuracy and predictive value of computer-simulated images is demonstrated and quantified for the first time.
Adelson
Robert T
RT
Department of Otolaryngology, Division of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Florida School of Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32606, USA. robert.adelson@ent.ufl.edu
DeFatta
Robert J
RJ
Bassischis
Benjamin A
BA
D003198:Computer Simulation / Q000592:standards*; D005145:Face; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D008297:Male; D009666:Nose / Q000601:surgery*; D009667:Nose Deformities, Acquired / Q000601:surgery*; D010781:Photography / Q000379:methods*; D011184:Postoperative Period; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012225:Rhinoplasty / Q000379:methods*