Use of 3-D facial imaging in the assessment of growth and treatment outcome in cleft lip and palate patients

Location: Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, collaborating with the department of Computing and Mathematics at Kingston University
Grantholder: Mr Ray Edler, Consultant Orthodontist, South Thames Cleft Service, Mr Piet Haers, Head of Service/Consultant Cleft Surgeon, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust
Award: £65,000
Start date: 01/03/2004

Project intentions: To improve the surgical correction of facial deformity due to cleft lip and palate by the development and implementation of 3-D imaging equipment/software. It was also hoped, by comparing the results with those of other similar units, to produce the evidence that would lead to agreement on the ideal timing of cleft repair surgery. The team intend to be able to analyse results quantitatively, as well as qualitatively.

Benefits: The equipment/software produced computer-generated 3-D images. These images superceded conventional 2-D photographic images.

The 3-D images were used to explain to and discuss with parents the nature of their child’s problems. The availability of 3-D images and ability to manipulate them on screen made it easier for parents to understand the nature of the clinical problem.

The clinicians used post-surgery images for comparison purposes. The availability of 3-D images allowed surgeons to make better qualitative assessments of the repairs following surgery.

Publications: Comparison of three methods of facial measurement.
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