China ; Cone-Beam Computed Tomography ; Face ; diagnostic imaging ; Humans ; Jaw ; diagnostic imaging ; Mouth ; diagnostic imaging

BACKGROUNDBecause of lacking skills in scanning the normal fetal facial structures and their corresponding ultrasonic features, misdiagnoses frequently occur. Therefore, we studied the appearance features and improved displaying skills of fetal facial anatomy in order to provide basis for prenatal diagnosis.

METHODSTwenty fetuses with normal facial anatomy from induced labor because of other malformations except facial anomalies were immersed in a water bath and then scanned ultrasonographically on coronal, sagittal and transverse planes to define the ultrasonic image features of normal anatomy. The coronal and sagittal planes obtained from the submandibular triangle were used for displaying the soft and hard palate in particular.

RESULTSFacial anatomic structures of the fetus can be clearly displayed through the three routine orthogonal planes. However, the soft and hard palate can be displayed on the planes obtained from the submandibular triangle only.

CONCLUSIONSThe superficial soft tissues and deep bony structures of the fetal face can be recognized and evaluated by routine ultrasonographic images, which is a reliable prenatal diagnostic technique to evaluate the fetal facial anatomy. The soft and hard palate can be well demonstrated by the submandibular triangle approach.

Face ; diagnostic imaging ; embryology ; Humans ; In Vitro Techniques ; Ultrasonography

OBJECTIVE: To assess the reproducibility of non-verbal facial expressions (smile lips closed, smile lips open, lip purse, cheek puff) in normal persons using dynamic three-dimensional (3D) imaging and provide reference data for future research. METHODS: In this study, 15 adults (7 males and 8 females) without facial asymmetry and facial nerve dysfunction were recruited. Each participant was seated upright in front of the 3D imaging system in natural head position. The whole face could be captured in all six cameras. The dynamic 3D system captured 60 3D images per second. Four facial expressions were included: smile lips closed, smile lips open, lip purse, and cheek puff. Before starting, we instructed the subjects to make facial expressions to develop muscle memory. During recording, each facial expression took about 3 to 4 seconds. At least 1 week later, the procedure was repeated. The rest position (T0) was considered as the base frame. The first quartile of expressions (T1), just after reaching the maximum state of expressions (T2), just before the end of maximum state of expressions (T3), the third quartile of expressions (T4), and the end of motion (T5) were selected as key frames. Using the stable part of face such as forehead, each key frame (T1-T5) of the different expressions was aligned on the corresponding frame at rest (T0). The root mean square (RMS) between each key frame and its corresponding frame at rest were calculated. The Wilcoxon signed ranks test was applied to assess statistical differences between the corresponding frames of the different facial expressions. RESULTS: Facial expressions like smile lips closed, smile lips open, and cheek puff were reproducible. Lip purse was not reproducible. The statistically significant differences were found on the T2 frame of the repeated lip purse movement. CONCLUSION The dynamic 3D imaging can be used to evaluate the reproducibility of facial expressions. Compared with the qualitative analysis and two-dimensions analysis, dynamic 3D images can be able to more truly represent the facial expressions which make the research more reliable.
Adult ; Face/diagnostic imaging* ; Facial Expression ; Female ; Humans ; Imaging, Three-Dimensional ; Lip/diagnostic imaging* ; Male ; Photogrammetry ; Reproducibility of Results ; Smiling

To investigate three-dimensional morphological features of temporomandibular joint in skeletal malocclusion Class III with different vertical skeletal facial types.
 Methods: A total of 46 adults with skeletal malocclusion Class III were enrolled and allocated into a normal-angle, a high-angle and a low-angle groups. All patients were undergone cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Images of temporomandibular joint were reconstructed and analyzed by Invivo 5. Nine measurements relevant to the positions and forms of condyle as well as joint spaces were performed.
 Results: Significant differences were not observed between the 2 sides of each group among skeletal malocclusion Class III (P>0.05). Compared with the high-angle and normal-angle patients, the low-angle patients had larger superior spaces, bigger gradients of the articular tublecle, longer condyle, and larger internal spaces between the condyle and the fossa. Compared with the low-angle and normal-angle patients, the high-angle patients had smaller condylar antero-posterior diameters.
 Conclusion: Class III malocclusion patients with different vertical skeletal patterns have different positions and forms of condyles, which should be paid attention to in clinic.
Adult ; Cone-Beam Computed Tomography ; Face ; diagnostic imaging ; Humans ; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted ; Malocclusion, Angle Class III ; diagnostic imaging ; Mandibular Condyle ; diagnostic imaging ; Temporomandibular Joint ; diagnostic imaging

OBJECTIVEThe purpose of this study was to provide the guidelines with respect to the location of the facial vessels, observe the potential reversed flow of the facial artery, and reemphasize the value of color Doppler ultrasound studies in flap planning.

METHODSA study was carried out to investigate the location and dynamics of the facial artery and vein using color Doppler ultrasonography in 12 adults.

RESULTSThe facial artery and the vein were located together at the lower border of the mandible. Around the oral commissure and under the nasal ala, they run apart from each other at variable distances. The reverse flow was observed in the 12 patients after the blood flow of the facial artery was blocked by applying pressure manually at the lower border of the mandible.

CONCLUSIONSThe divergence of the facial vein from the artery is important information in planning of axial pattern flaps. Observation of the reversed flow confirms the possibility of safe elevation of a retrograde flow-arterialized flap based on the distal portion of the facial artery.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Arteries ; diagnostic imaging ; Face ; blood supply ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color ; methods ; Veins ; diagnostic imaging

OBJECTIVETo determine the facial profile preference among four groups of persons and the influence of vertical proportion and skeletal anteroposterior relation on facial profile esthetics.

METHODSOne hundred and twenty persons, comprising of adult patients, adolescents' parents, laypersons and orthodontists, participated this study. The subjects were asked to rate 27 silhouettes which represented the male facial profiles with various vertical proportion and anteroposterior relation.

RESULTSThe silhouette II-1s scored highest while the one III-4s scored lowest (P < 0.05). The silhouette I-normal was rated highest by orthodontists while the ones II-normal and II-1s were rated highest by other three groups. The silhouette III-4s was scored lowest by all groups (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSVertical discrepancy had influence on Chinese male facial profile esthetics and the influence was related to the degree of vertical malformation and skeletal anteroposterior relation. Class III skeletal pattern had the most negative influence on male profile esthetics. The four panels had different esthetic standard. The preference of facial profile esthetics was related to orthodontic education background rather than gender or age.

Adult ; Beauty ; Dentists ; Face ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Orthodontics ; Radiography ; Skull ; diagnostic imaging ; Young Adult

Dermoscopy ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Face ; Humans ; Nevus, Pigmented ; Skin Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging* ; Wood

OBJECTIVETo primarily assess the surgical technique to correct incomplete Tessier No. 3 craniofacial cleft.

METHODSFrom 2009 to 2010, 3 male patients with incomplete Tessier No. 3 craniofacial clefts were treated. Preoperative CT examination of each patient was performed and the bony defect was evaluated. In the operation, van der Meulen rotation and advancement flap of the cheek and regional Z-plasty were used and the medial canthal ligament was repositioned.

RESULTSOne week after the operation, the sutures were removed and the facial incision healed well. The facial scar was not obvious 6 - 10 months after operation. The shape of medial canthal angle was acceptable, and the height of the medial canthal angle and the length of the palpebral fissure of both sides were symmetrical. The clinical results were satisfactory.

CONCLUSIONSFor the incomplete Tessier No. 3 craniofacial cleft, surgical treatment is mainly focused on the deformities of inner canthus and nasal alae. Medial canthal ligament reposition is the key procedure for correction of the medial canthal deformity and surgical results are stable and reliable.

Child ; Child, Preschool ; Craniofacial Abnormalities ; diagnostic imaging ; surgery ; Face ; surgery ; Humans ; Male ; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures ; methods ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

OBJECTIVETo introduce the technique of transarterial interventional embolization treating for arteriovenous malformations (AVM) in the face.

METHODSFrom April 1998, 17 patients have been treated with this method. Seldinger's maneuver was used in this series. Of them, 11 cases received only interventional embolization; 6 cases received both interventional embolization and surgical resection.

RESULTSThe interventional embolization was effective in all the 17 cases, which was confirmed by immediate angiography. Their clinical symptoms were gradually relieved. Interventional embolization obviously decreased hemorrhage during surgical resection.

CONCLUSIONSInterventional embolization provides a new way for the treatment of AVM. Preoperative embolization can lower the surgical risk as it obviously decreases hemorrhage during the surgical procedure.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Arteriovenous Malformations ; diagnostic imaging ; therapy ; Child ; Embolization, Therapeutic ; methods ; Face ; blood supply ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Radiography, Interventional

Based on the anatomic structure of a girl with class III skelet al malocclusion, a three-dimensional finite element biomechanical model of facial soft tissue was established. With the use of this model, three surgery plans of distraction osteogenesis, LeFort I, II, III maxillary complex advancement in the direction of functional occlusal plane, were simulated. As a result, the facial soft tissue deformation was predicted and the ratio of the facial location deformation to the free bone advancement was calculated. The facial shape after surgery could be viewed in 3D. In addition, the location of center of resistance was investigated when the free bone was protracted forward in the process of LeFort I maxillary complex advancement; it was located at a site about 30 mm posterior to the soft tissue A point. The research result indicates that three-dimensional finite element research on distraction osteogenesis can provide instruction for setting the suitable protraction point and direction of the protraction force in surgery, and by predicting the facial soft tissue deformation, it also can provide the surgeon and patient with information on the options and reference to the surgery plans.
Adolescent ; Cephalometry ; Computer Simulation ; Face ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; surgery ; Female ; Finite Element Analysis ; Humans ; Imaging, Three-Dimensional ; Malocclusion, Angle Class III ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; surgery ; Maxilla ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; surgery ; Models, Biological ; Osteogenesis, Distraction ; instrumentation ; Osteotomy ; Radiography