3D analysis of child facial dimensions for design of medical devices in low-middle income countries (LMIC)

Abstract

Background Facial anthropometric data are scarce in African children. However, such data may be useful for the design of medical devices for high disease burden settings. The aim of this study was to obtain 3D facial anthropometric data of Congolese children aged 0–5 years. Methods & findings The faces of 287 Congolese children were successfully scanned using a portable structured-light based 3D video camera, suitable for field work in low- income settings. The images were analyzed using facial analysis algorithms. Normal growth curves were generated for the following facial dimensions: distance between nares and distance from subnasion to upper lip. At birth, 1 year, and 5 years of age the median dimensions were: 13·92, 14·66, and 17.60 mm, respectively for distance between nares, and 10·16, 10.88, and 13·79 mm, respectively for distance from subnasion to upper lip. Modeled facial contours conveniently clustered into three average sizes which could be used as templates for the design of medical instruments. Conclusion Capturing of 3D images of infants and young children in LMICs is feasible using portable cameras and computerized analysis. This method and these specific data on Congolese pediatric facial dimensions may assist in the design of appropriately sized medical devices (thermometers, face masks, pulse oximeters, etc.) for this population.

Age- and Sex-Related Changes in Labial Dimensions of Sudanese Youngs of Arab Descent: A Three-Dimensional Cross-Sectional Study

“…Sforza et al [ 31 , 43 ] described some soft tissue facial distances and analyzed a set of midline angles and distances from Ricketts’ aesthetic line, finding several differences related to data collected in African and Caucasoid subjects. A detailed definition of the normal dimensions of facial structures in different ethnic groups, ages and sexes is therefore essential for a correct reconstruction of the global facial appearance in the forensic field (facial aging, facial reconstruction from skeletal remnants), in patients (via orthodontics, dental prostheses, surgery) and in the design of medical devices [ 1 , 3 , 8 , 16 , 18 , 25 , 39 ]. In particular, taking the esthetic characteristics of the mouth area into consideration, proper relationships between the cutaneous and vermilion parts of the lips should be maintained or restored by surgical and dental reconstructive treatments, thus contributing to the general well-being of people [ 5 , 6 , 22 ].…”

“…Some study limitations should be considered. All the analyzed measurements significantly changed as a function of age, but the current data were cross-sectional, with different groups of subjects examined at different ages [ 25 ]. Actual values do not reflect the real growth but are estimates of the biological phenomena.…”

“…Currently, investigations may be performed using two-dimensional photographs, but methods to solve scale and calibration issues are required, as well as rigorous standardization of photographic procedure [ 23 ]. Optical image analysis systems working in three-dimensional (3D) space allow us to overcome that limitation; among them, stereophotogrammetry, laser scanning and structured light cameras are probably the most used worldwide, coupling minimal or null patient discomfort with a fast data collection [ 2 , 8 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 18 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 ]. In addition, intraoral dental scanners have been recently successfully proposed for the digitization of the superficial soft tissues of the nasolabial area [ 4 ].…”

“…Dimensions, relative proportions and reciprocal spatial positions of the structures of the orolabial region in healthy subjects of different ages have been widely investigated. Unfortunately, most of the studies report data for Caucasoid and Chinese subjects and investigations about Africans/African Americans are few and mostly limited to adults [ 1 , 3 , 5 , 6 , 8 , 9 , 16 , 18 , 19 , 21 , 25 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 , 39 , 40 ]. The lack of information about normal orolabial structures is one of the problems that contribute to an unequal distribution of resources among countries, thus preventing the access to diagnosis and tailored treatment planning.…”

Novel facial characteristics in congenital rubella syndrome: a study of 115 cases in a cardiac hospital of Bangladesh

“…3D photographic methods have been used for facial analysis or anthropometric measurement of various races to compare them with other races and genders. 31 32 Therefore, exact measurements of faces, noses and foreheads were not taken; hence, comparison with normative data was not possible. Normative data for Bangladeshi Asian populations were also not available.…”