New developments in medical photogrammetry

Abstract

Conventional photogrammetric techniques have been used for a broad variety of medical applications. Amongst them, craniofacial mapping, human trunk and extremity mapping, wound and sore mapping, as well as dental mapping are the most common. Nowadays, laser scanning and 3D probing devices have superseded photogrammetry for many of these applications, whilst photogrammetry has advanced to on-line measuring and real-time navigating applications in the medical field. Some of the developments are familiar features in surgical operating theatres today. Surgical probing devices and the key-hole surgical navigation system are two examples of such innovative development of advanced photogrammetric technique. By and large, other imaging/measurement technologies such as ultrasound, CT and MRI are generally perceived as choice inventions for body interior measurement and navigation. These technologies are efficient. Not only are they accurate for measurement and navigation, also the users requiring minimal training to operate these systems. Certainly, it seems photogrammetry is being superseded or is put on a back seat in the high-tech medical environment. So what would happen to photogrammetry in medical applications? This paper discusses potential research that may bring back the appreciation of Photogrammetry of yesteryear.