[Lip, jaw, and palate clefts. Analysis of unilateral cleft lip using 3-D laser topometry].

Abstract

Investigation: In most cases it is not sufficient to use photographs and plaster casts to document and analyze the three-dimensional morphology of lip, jaw, and palate clefts. The aim of this study was to evaluate the applicability of surface scanning with a 3-D laser topography scanner in patients with unilateral cleft lip.

Patients and methods: Three-dimensional surface scans of the face were performed pre- and postoperatively in 20 patients (3-35 years of age) with a 3-D laser topography scanner. All patients were suffering from nonoperated, one-sided cleft lip, cleft lip-jaw, or cleft lip-jaw and palate. The digital data sets were metrically analyzed and expressed on the basis of quotients, independent of size factors.

Results: Using this 3-D laser scanner it was possible to acquire good quality three-dimensional data sets. Measurements were in the dimension of millimeters. Based on the data sets it was possible to provide the three-dimensional cleft morphology with reproducible landmarks and analyze the data. The postoperative symmetry of the face was controlled and objectively quantified. It is disadvantageous however that numerous views need to be taken to get the full image of the face and that the scanning process takes about 2 s.

Conclusion: The presented 3-D laser scanner renders a precise 3-D surface analysis of the lip and nose region in cleft patients. For lively infants or uncooperative adults, the system is suitable only to a limited extent due to the time-consuming scanning process.