Photogrammetry Based on Standardized Clinical Photography using Cephalostat: Comparison with Anthropometric Analysis

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Direct anthropometry is an ideal method for preoperative planning and postoperative evaluation in plastic surgery, but it requires highly skilled specialty. Indirect anthropometry, especially photogrammetry, is an alternative method. In photogrammetry, standardized clinical photography is essential. Photogrammetry-based standardized clinical photography has several advantages over direct anthropometry. It is easier to measure and has less chance to make errors during measurement. Furthermore, it is possible to repeat measurements, and available for follow up study based on permanent custody. But, it is still different from actual measurement, and inherently less accurate than anthropometry. METHODS: The authors revised the standardized clinical photography and then, carried out photogrammetry using Photoshop(Adobe, U.S.A.), and compared each data with those of anthropometry. The subjects were 50 males and 50 females, undergraduate medical students in twenties. Standard head position was obtained from the wire, fixed to cephalostat which indicates the Frankfort horizontal plane. All photographs were taken at the same situation such as fixed position of light, subject and camera, etc. RESULTS: Total 96 measurements, based on 40 landmarks, consist of linear measurements, angular measurements and inclinations include 3 measurements in head, 22 in face, 15 in orbit, 28 in nose, 16 in lip and mouth, and 12 in ear. CONCLUSION: Normal photogrammetric data of face of Korean in twenties was obtained. Reliable photogrammetric measurements, not significantly different from anthropometric measurement statistically, accounted for 44 in 96 measurements(45.8%). Anthropometric values different from those of photogrammetric values were obtained by multiplying coefficient by photogrammetric value.