2003 Volume 52 Issue 3 Pages 109-123
This study assessed procedures for analyzing facial morphology and defined criteria for diagnosing facial asymmetry.
The facial morphology of 10 female patients diag nosedas having facial asymmetry and treated by mandibular osteotomy was measured by a non-contact three-dimensional measuring apparatus preoperatively and again 3 months postoperatively.
As a control group, three-dimensional data on the facial morphology of 20 normal females recorded by the same instrument were also analyzed.
The results were as follows:
1. The standard values of X-, Y- and Z-coordinates of 98 facial measurement points were defined by computing the data of normal subjects. It was con firmedthat the area and degree of asymmetry of a patient's face could be assessed based on standard values.
2. It was shown that the virtual facial midline calculated for the patient's face was useful for assess ingand demonstrating the lateral deviation of the facial midline.
3. It was confirmed by three-dimensional analysis of the 98 measurement points that facial measure mentpoints lower than alare deviated significantly and tended to protrude in comparison with those of normal subjects or those on the opposite side.
4. Following mandibular osteotomy, facial asym metryimproved but slight asymmetry remained.
5. It was proven that the analysis method and standard values confirmed in this study were useful in the treatment and diagnosis of patients with facial asymmetry.
