Three-dimensional Facial Anthropometric Study In Young Northern Chinese Han Adults

OBJECTIVE:The aims of this study were to establish normative data for facial morphology of young Northern Chinese Han adults using a non-invasive three-dimensional imaging system based on stereophotogrammetry,determining the morphological differences between genders;and to provide a novel method for facial analysis.METHODS:Fifty Northern Chinese Han people in both genders,aged 20-29 years old with healthy BMI and no facial deformity,were recruited.24 soft-tissue landmarks were identified on 3D facial images captured by VECTRA HI 3D System(Canfield Scientific Inc,USA).32 linear and 1 angular measurements were taken within the 3D System,and 4 ratios were calculated.All the images were captured and identified by the same researcher,and intra-examiner reliability was tested by intra-class correlation coefficient(ICC)using 10 randomly selected images(5 in both genders).T-test was carried out to investigate the differences between genders and left and right sides.RESULTS:ICC scores were good for intra-examiner reliability(all>0.80).16 linear measurements,2 ratios and all 7 pairs of measurements for facial depth were significantly larger in male than female(P<0.05).Biocular width,nose width,nose height,nose length,morphological face height,facial width,lower facial height,bitragal width and all 7 pairs of measurements for facial depth were clinically significant in male than female(mean difference>3mm).CONCLUSION:Normative data for facial morphology of young Northern Chinese Han adults was established,providing a reference for treatment planning,surgical outcome evaluation,diagnosis,etc.The method used in this study may provide a novel way for clinical facial analysis.