Three-dimensional photogrammetry for surgical planning of tissue expansion in hemifacial microsomia.
BACKGROUND
We aim to illustrate the applications of 3-dimensional (3-D) photogrammetry for surgical planning and longitudinal assessment of the volumetric changes in hemifacial microsomia.


METHODS
A 3-D photogrammetric system was employed for planning soft tissue expansion and transplantation of a vascularized scapular flap for a patient with hemifacial microsomia. The facial deficiency was calculated by superimposing a mirror of the normal side on the preoperative image. Postsurgical volumetric changes were monitored by serial superimposition of 3-D images.


RESULTS
A total of 31 cm(3) of tissue expansion was achieved within a period of 4 weeks. A scapular free flap measuring 8 cm × 5 cm was transplanted to augment the facial deficiency. Postsurgical shrinkage of the flap was observed mainly in the first 3 months and it was minimal thereafter.


CONCLUSIONS
3-D photogrammetry can be used as a noninvasive objective tool for assessing facial deformity, planning, and postoperative follow-up of surgical correction of facial asymmetry.
Discipline of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
Yasas S N
YS
Jayaratne
John
J
Lo
Roger A
RA
Zwahlen
Lim K
LK
Cheung
D005146:Facial Asymmetry / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D058752:Free Tissue Flaps; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D010780:Photogrammetry; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D015626:Tissue Expansion; D055815:Young Adult