title: Toward a universal, automated facial measurement tool in facial reanimation.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To describe a highly quantitative facial function-measuring tool that yields accurate, objective measures of facial position in significantly less time than existing methods.
  
  
  METHODS
  Facial Assessment by Computer Evaluation (FACE) software was designed for facial analysis. Outputs report the static facial landmark positions and dynamic facial movements relevant in facial reanimation. Fifty individuals underwent facial movement analysis using Photoshop-based measurements and the new software; comparisons of agreement and efficiency were made. Comparisons were made between individuals with normal facial animation and patients with paralysis to gauge sensitivity to abnormal movements.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Facial measurements were matched using FACE software and Photoshop-based measures at rest and during expressions. The automated assessments required significantly less time than Photoshop-based assessments.FACE measurements easily revealed differences between individuals with normal facial animation and patients with facial paralysis.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  FACE software produces accurate measurements of facial landmarks and facial movements and is sensitive to paralysis. Given its efficiency, it serves as a useful tool in the clinical setting for zonal facial movement analysis in comprehensive facial nerve rehabilitation programs.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA. tessa_hadlock@meei.harvard.edu
authors.forename: Tessa A
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Hadlock
authors.forename: Luke S
authors.initials: LS
authors.lastname: Urban
mesh_terms: D059925:Anatomic Landmarks; D004867:Equipment Design; D005145:Face / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology*; D005149:Facial Expression; D005152:Facial Muscles / Q000502:physiology*; D005158:Facial Paralysis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008297:Male; D009068:Movement; D010781:Photography; D012016:Reference Values; D012494:Sampling Studies; D012984:Software