Preliminary Study to Develop an Objective Method for Evaluating Facial Palsy Sequelae Using Facial Scanning System

Objectives : This study was performed to develop objective methods for evaluating facial palsy sequelae using a 3D Facial Scanning System. Methods : Fifty-eight patients with facial palsy sequelae were selected. Their medical records were reviewed to collect demographic data, facial palsy sequelae evaluation, Facial Disability Index questionnaire, and test results (3D Facial Scanning System). Five different facial expressions (at rest, eye closure, eyebrow elevation, smiling, and whistling) were photographed. Sunnybrook Scale was associated with distances between predetermined facial points. Results : The average Sunnybrook composite score was 58.88 ± 17.31. Secondary movements (mouth to eye synkinesis, contracture of eye, and contracture of mouth) showed significant difference according to the Sunnybrook Scale. In voluntary movements, eyebrow height at eyebrow elevation, length between mouth angle and central line while whistling, and eyelid width at maximum eye opening showed significant difference. Facial palsy Sequelae Index (FSI) was correlated with Sunnybrook sub-scales (resting symmetry, voluntary movement, and synkinesis). Conclusion : These results demonstrate that a 3D Facial Scanning System is useful for evaluating facial palsy sequelae. This method may facilitate objective evaluation for facial palsy sequelae and it could be applied in clinical trials.