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New Technique for Three-Dimensional Ultrasound Scanning of Facial Tissues

NCJ Number
206367
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 49 Issue: 3 Dated: May 2004 Pages: 451-457
Author(s)
Shelley L. Smith Ph.D.; Gaylord S. Throckmorton Ph.D.
Date Published
May 2004
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This study developed an ultrasonic facial scanning technique that allows for the visualization of continuous contours without deforming surface tissues.
Abstract
Current 3D ultrasound technology holds promise for the visualization and measurement of facial tissues if the problem of tissue deformation can be resolved. In order to circumvent difficulties of tissue deformation during continuous three-dimensional scanning of facial tissues, this study developed a novel technique that involved brief facial immersion in water. Seven adult volunteers (four males and three females) agreed to participate in this study to establish methods and reliability. Two scans of two individual points, two full sagittal scans, and two full lateral scans were obtained from each subject; all scans from each subject were collected on the same day. Subjects were first timed for 25 seconds without facial immersion to ensure that they could hold their breath for the required time. Each subject immersed his/her face in a clear plastic box filled with water for about 20 seconds while the researcher moved the transducer along the bottom of the box, guiding transducer movement by watching the facial image in a mirror placed below. Three-dimensional Echotech software was used to build the image from sequentially acquired 2D frames. Adhesive markers were placed on the face to enable measurement of facial tissue thickness at specific landmarks. The reliability of repeat measurements at landmarks was good, and individual tissues (skin, subcutaneous, muscle) could be distinguished. The method developed is simple, reliable, less expensive, and less time-consuming than alternative methods such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This method can be used in both research and clinical contexts. 7 figures, 2 tables, and 10 references