Three-dimensional digital models of the face were developed to circumvent the limitations of the traditional assessment of soft tissue. Currently, a method reported to have a high clinical applicability is digital stereophotogrammetry. This systematic review aims to address the use of this technique in evaluating craniofacial abnormalities, with a focus on its practical application. The subject was searched in the Medline, Cochrane Library, LILACS, and SciELO databases. From preestablished inclusion criteria, 19 articles were selected. The data extracted were as follows: systems used, year of publication, diseases addressed, reference points used for each disease, advantages and disadvantages of the stereophotogrammetry system used, and quality of articles. The 3dMD® system was used in 11 articles. The most common publication year was 2010, with 6 studies. Twelve studies addressed cleft lip and palate, and 17 studies used anthropometric landmarks. Noninvasiveness, fast image acquisition, and accuracy were the advantages mentioned in 70% of the articles that used the 3dMD® system. The most frequently mentioned disadvantage of such equipment was the high cost. Twelve items had good level of scientific evidence. Digital stereophotogrammetry is a technology aimed to improve the evaluation of treatments and quantification of craniofacial deformities. However, there is a need for more studies with long-term monitoring and on the association of a wider variety of systems.
Photogrammetry; Craniofacial abnormalities; Imaging, three-dimensional; Photography; Review
