Whole-body surface assessment - implementation and experiences with 360° 3D whole-body scans: opportunities to objectively monitor the extremities and the body trunk

Background Three-dimensional surface imaging (3DSI) has proven to be useful in providing objective aid to the planning process and documentation of various plastic-surgical procedures. Although this technology is routinely used in the surface and volume analysis of the face and breast, it has been of limited use in registering and quantifying the resulting changes to the entire body surface. The aim of this study was the clinical implementation of 360 degrees whole-body scans to evaluate the treatment of lipoedema. Patients, materials and methods Three 3DSI devices (Eva, Thor and Sense) were tested for precision and reproducibility regarding whole-body scans. Using a standardised setup consisting of an automatic turntable and predetermined body poses, human subjects were analysed by measuring axial circumferences and quantifying defined layers of body volume. The relevant statistical and clinical deviations were subsequently evaluated. Results A standardised procedure for 360 degrees scans was successfully implemented. All tested scanners yielded sufficient results with respect to intraindividual reproducibility (p > 0.05). The Eva and Thor scanners delivered comparable results for axial circumference and volume analysis (p > 0.05). The Sense scanner allowed for a precise analysis in the area of the body trunk, but had significant deficits regarding the lower extremity (p < 0.05). The data analysis was then successfully applied to selected clinical cases. Conclusion A procedure to reproducibly capture and analyse the human body was successfully established for clinical use in plastic surgery. Two of the tested 3DSI devices allowed for an objective surface and volume analysis of the human body. The third scanner (Sense) offered the ability to perform 360 degrees scans at a low cost, albeit lacking in precision when applied to certain areas of the body. These findings may help to objectively evaluate the effects of different procedures on the entirety of the body surface in the future.