Computer graphics in facial morphology analysis.

Stereophotogrammetry is an attractive technique for mapping changes in facial form and contour following surgery. The need for trained personnel, however, has prevented the technique from gaining wide use. We report the development of a stereophotogrammetric system in combination with an inter-graphics computer system which overcomes this and other limitations. An interactive computer graphics system is used to record, present and manipulate the three-dimensional data obtained from a digitized stereophotogrammetric picture. The system also permits measurement of morphological changes following surgery as well as volume changes and has the potential for use in indicating the order in which multistage procedures should be undertaken and the time delay before such surgeries.