A novel method of quantifying facial asymmetry

There are two major issues in diagnosis of facial asymmetry. Firstly, the asymmetry commonly involves 3 dimensions. Secondly, there is difficult in quantifying the asymmetry. A method is developed using CT data, imaging processing program, and a new symmetry software to examine the asymmetry of facial skeleton in 3 dimensions, and to quantify and display the symmetry status with percentages and angles. The symmetry software involves automatic tracing of shape of bone structure and pairing the pixels on both sides. Symmetry value of 100% represents a mirroring symmetry. The clinical application of this method is demonstrated by a case of facial asymmetry.