The validation of an innovative method for 3D capture and analysis of the nasolabial region in cleft cases

Ayoub, A. , Khan, A., Aldhanhani, A., Alnaser, H., Naudi, K., Ju, X., Gillgrass, T. and Mossey, P. (2021) The validation of an innovative method for 3D capture and analysis of the nasolabial region in cleft cases. Cleft Palate: Craniofacial Journal, 58(1), pp. 98-104. (doi: 10.1177/1055665620946987) (PMID:32783457) (PMCID:PMC7739118)

Abstract

Objective: To validate a newly developed method for capturing three-dimensional (3D) images of the nasolabial region for assessing upper lip scarring and asymmetry in surgically managed unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) cases. Design: Validation study, single cohort. Materials and Methods: Eighteen surgically managed UCLP cases were recruited, the nasolabial region of each face was scanned using an intraoral scanner (IOS) to produce 3D images. The images were manually segmented to allow the calculation of surface area of the scar and upper lip asymmetry. Five professionals and five lay assessors subjectively evaluated the same images and graded the upper lip scarring and asymmetry at two separate occasions. The relationship between the subjective and objective assessments was evaluated. Results: Moderate correlation was found between subjective and objective evaluations of the upper lip scarring and total asymmetry. The captured 3D images were of good quality for the objective measurements of lip asymmetry and residual scarring. Moderate to strong correlations were detected between the two panels (T ranging between 0.5 and 0.9) with no significant difference (p > 0.05) in the mean score of the subjectively evaluated parameters. Conclusion: The IOS is a useful tool for the capture of the nasolabial morphology. The captured 3D images are a reliable source for measuring lip asymmetry and scar surface area. The method has sufficient validity for routine clinical use and for objective outcome measures of the surgical repair of cleft lip.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Ju, Dr Xiangyang and Ayoub, Professor Ashraf and Gillgrass, Dr Toby
• Authors: Ayoub, A., Khan, A., Aldhanhani, A., Alnaser, H., Naudi, K., Ju, X., Gillgrass, T., and Mossey, P.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing > Dental School
• Journal Name: Cleft Palate: Craniofacial Journal
• Publisher: SAGE Publications
• ISSN: 1055-6656
• ISSN (Online): 1545-1569
• Published Online: 12 August 2020
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2020 American Cleft Palate Craniofacial Association
• First Published: First published in Cleft Palate: Craniofacial Journal 58(1): 98-104
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License