Evaluation of anthropometric accuracy and reliability using different three-dimensional scanning systems

• Published in: Forensic science international Vol. 207; no. 1; pp. 127 - 134
• Main Authors: Fourie, Zacharias, Damstra, Janalt, Gerrits, Peter O, Ren, Yijin
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ireland Ltd 15.04.2011; Elsevier; Elsevier Limited; Elsevier Sequoia S.A
• Subjects: Accuracy; Anthropometry; Biological and medical sciences; Cadaver; Comparative analysis; Cone beam computed tomography; Error analysis; Errors; Face - anatomy & histology; Facial; Forensic Anthropology; Forensic medicine; Forensic science; Forensic sciences; General aspects; Humans; Imaging, Three-Dimensional; Investigative techniques, diagnostic techniques (general aspects); Laser surface scanning; Lasers; Mathematical models; Measurement; Medical sciences; Pathology; Photogrammetry; Public health. Hygiene; Public health. Hygiene-occupational medicine; Reliability; Reproducibility of Results; Scanning; Statistical analysis; Stereo-photogrammetry; Three dimensional; Tissues; Tomography; Stereo-photogrammetry; Cone beam computed tomography; Forensic science; Laser surface scanning; Three-dimensional; Anthropometry; Evaluation; Scanning; Radiodiagnosis; Legal medicine; Forensic aspect; Surface; Cone beam; Accuracy; Laser; Three dimensional system; Medical imagery; Computerized axial tomography; Reliability; Photogrammetry
• ISSN: 0379-0738; 1872-6283
• DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2010.09.018

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy and reliability of standard anthropometric linear measurements made with three different three-dimensional scanning systems namely laser surface scanning (Minolta Vivid 900), cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), 3D stereo-photogrammetry (Di3D system) and to compare them to physical linear measurements. The study sample consisted of seven cadaver heads. The reliability and accuracy were assessed by means of a series of 21 standardized, linear facial measurements derived from 15 landmarks taken both directly on the face with a set of digital callipers and indirectly from a three-dimensional (3D) soft tissue surface models derived from CBCT, laser surface scans and 3D photographs. Statistical analysis for the reliability was done by means of intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). Accuracy was determined by means of the absolute error (AE) and absolute percentage error (APE) by comparison of the 3D measurements to the physical anthropometrical measurements. All the 3D scanning systems were proved to be very reliable (ICC > 0.923–0.999) when compared to the physical measurements (ICC; 0.964–0.999). Only one CBCT measurement (t-g) and one Di3D measurement (t-sn left) had a mean AE of more than 1.5 mm. There are clear potential benefits of using 3D measurements appose to direct measurements in the assessment of facial deformities. Measurements recorded by the three 3D systems appeared to be both sufficiently accurate and reliable enough for research and clinical use.