3D anthropometry of the nasolabial region in children aged 3 to 9 months as reference database for clinical assessment

Olmos M, Backhaus J, Weber M, Matta R, Vogl C, Schulz K, Beyer S, Winter L, Schützenberger A, Kesting MR, Lutz R (2025)

Publication Language: English

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2025

Journal

Scientific Reports Nature Publishing Group: Open Access Journals - Option B

Book Volume: 15

Article Number: 27443

Journal Issue: 1

DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-11024-8

Abstract

Treatment for a cleft lip can result in significant functional and aesthetic changes to the nasolabial region. Although three-dimensional (3D) measurements are the gold standard for evaluating cleft surgery, most short- and long-term evaluations still rely on subjective assessment or the measurement of patient photographs. To our knowledge, this work establishes the first baseline and reference group for the nasolabial region in children aged 3 to 9 months without cleft lip or palate. This group can be used for future evaluations, such as those of surgical outcomes or NAM therapy, via 3D anthropometric measurement. Data was collected cross-sectionally from 25 children aged 3 to 9 months using a validated intraoral scanner (Trios 4, 3Shape). Scans were analysed according to 3D anthropometric criteria by metrically accurate measurements of distances, surface curves and angles using 3D inspection software (GOM Inspect, Co. Zeiss, Jena, Germany). Results are presented as reference database combined with a step-by-step guide on the measurement methodology. For easy application all data are additionally presented in the form of formulae in which clinical data can be inserted. Based on the data from healthy children, we propose a new classification of alar base types ranging from 1 to 3. Unlike conventional assessment methods, surface curves and other 3D anthropometric tools provide a highly accurate and objective quantification of the anatomy of the nasolabial region and thus serve as a foundation for future clinical research on cleft lip surgery. Alar base type classification may influence future surgical approaches to cleft lip surgery.

Authors with CRIS profile

Manuel Olmos Lehrstuhl für Zahnmedizin, insbesondere Mund-, Kiefer-, und Gesichtschirurgie (MKG) Manuel Weber Department of Oral and Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery Ragai Matta Department of Prosthodontics Christoph Vogl Department of Oral and Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery Katja Schulz Department of Oral and Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery Sandra Beyer Department of Oral and Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery Linus Winter Department of Oral and Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery Anne Schützenberger Professur für Phoniatrie und Pädaudiologie Marco Rainer Kesting Lehrstuhl für Zahnmedizin, insbesondere Mund-, Kiefer-, und Gesichtschirurgie (MKG) Rainer Lutz Department of Oral and Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery

Involved external institutions

Universitätsklinikum Würzburg DE Germany (DE)

How to cite

APA:

Olmos, M., Backhaus, J., Weber, M., Matta, R., Vogl, C., Schulz, K.,... Lutz, R. (2025). 3D anthropometry of the nasolabial region in children aged 3 to 9 months as reference database for clinical assessment. Scientific Reports, 15(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-11024-8

MLA:

Olmos, Manuel, et al. "3D anthropometry of the nasolabial region in children aged 3 to 9 months as reference database for clinical assessment." Scientific Reports 15.1 (2025).

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