Background/Objectives: Cranial reconstruction (cranioplasty) is a surgical procedure performed to restore skull function and aesthetics following trauma, oncological conditions, or congenital defects. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is commonly used for the postoperative monitoring and diagnosis of patients with cranial implants. However, MRI artifacts caused by these implants can compromise imaging accuracy and diagnostic precision. This study aims to evaluate the extent of MRI artifacts caused by titanium and polyether ether ketone (PEEK) cranial implants and to identify optimal imaging sequences to minimize these artifacts. Methods: Phantom skull models with cranial defects of varying sizes (one-quarter, one-third, and one-half of the skull) were used to simulate real-world clinical conditions. The defects were filled with a water-based medium containing simulated brain tissue and tumor models. Custom 3D-printed titanium and PEEK cranial implants were fixed onto the phantom skulls and scanned using 1.5 T and 3 T MRI scanners. Various imaging sequences were tested, with a focus on optimizing parameters to reduce artifact formation. Turbo Spin Echo (TSE) sequences with fat saturation were implemented to assess their effectiveness in artifact reduction. Results: The study found that MRI artifacts varied based on the implant material, defect size, and magnetic field strength. A higher field strength (3 T) resulted in more pronounced artifacts. However, the use of TSE sequences with fat saturation significantly reduced artifacts and improved lesion visualization, enhancing diagnostic accuracy. Conclusions: This research highlights the importance of optimized MRI protocols when imaging patients with cranial implants. Proper selection of imaging sequences, particularly TSE with fat saturation, can mitigate artifacts and improve diagnostic precision, ultimately benefiting patient outcomes in clinical radiology.
Somatotyping is essential for assessing body composition in sports science, anthropology, and medicine. Traditional methods, such as the Heath–Carter approach, rely on manual measurements, which can be prone to errors and variability. This study evaluates the validity and reliability of 3D body scanning as an alternative to manual somatotyping. A total of 117 participants (49 males, 68 females) aged 18 to 27 years were assessed using both traditional anthropometric methods and a full-body 3D scanning system (TC2 NX-16). The three somatotype components (ectomorphy, mesomorphy, and endomorphy) were calculated using the Heath–Carter method. A custom-developed application processed the scanned data to compute somatotype values. The results were compared using statistical metrics, including intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and Bland–Altman analysis. The 3D scanning method showed high agreement (87.18%) with manual measurements. Minor discrepancies were observed particularly in the endomorphic component, which was slightly overestimated by 3D scanning. Mesomorphic and ectomorphic components exhibited minimal differences. Statistical analyses confirmed strong reliability with ICC values exceeding 0.87. Conclusions: Full-body 3D scanning is a viable, non-invasive, and efficient alternative to traditional somatotyping methods. Despite minor differences in endomorphy estimation, the overall accuracy and reliability supports its use in sports science, health monitoring, and anthropometric research. Future studies should refine predictive models for endomorphy estimation and integrate AI-driven classification techniques to enhance precision.
Background: Burn assessment traditionally relies on visual inspection and 2D estimation, which introduces substantial variability in determining wound size and healing progression. Three-dimensional (3D) surface scanning offers a more objective alternative, yet the clinical utility of area-based metrics obtained from 3D surface data remains insufficiently defined. This pilot study aimed to evaluate structured-light 3D scanning for objective longitudinal quantification of the burn wound surface area and a description of area-based healing dynamics derived from repeated measurements. Methods: Eighteen patients with 43 acute thermal burns underwent serial structured-light scanning, followed by manual segmentation of wound regions and the calculation of absolute and percentage area reduction as well as TBSA-normalized metrics. Longitudinal monitoring was performed by comparing sequential 3D surface models acquired at defined clinical follow-ups, enabling the calculation of absolute area change (ΔA), percentage reduction, daily healing rate, and ΔTBSA%. Results: Baseline wound areas ranged from 7.27 to 2137.98 cm2. Percentage area reduction ranged from 5.25% to 92.30%. The overall reduction in burn burden (ΔTBSA) ranged from 0.07% to 12.94%. Large wounds tended to show rapid absolute area reduction (>100–300 cm2/day) during early follow-up, while small superficial burns frequently achieved >80% reduction within 10–15 days. Conclusions: These findings suggest that 3D surface scanning may support the objective longitudinal assessment of burn wound healing. This pilot provides a basis for future studies evaluating additional topographic parameters and broader clinical applications.
Accurate documentation of burn wounds is essential for evaluating treatment outcomes and monitoring healing progression. Traditional two-dimensional (2D) photography remains the clinical standard but lacks depth and volumetric accuracy. Three-dimensional (3D) scanning offers enhanced visualization of wound morphology and tissue vitality, potentially improving objectivity in burn assessment. This study compares two handheld 3D scanning systems—Artec Eva and Revopoint Miraco—in documenting acute and healing burn wounds, using standard clinical photography as the reference. Fifteen patients with second-degree and third-degree burns were prospectively examined at the Burn Unit of AGEL Hospital Košice-Šaca, with five representative cases selected for detailed analysis. For each patient, clinical photographs and paired 3D scans were obtained under standardized conditions and evaluated for color fidelity, wound margin clarity, representation of epithelialisation islands, necrotic tissue, and correlation with clinical findings. Across all cases, Artec Eva demonstrated superior color accuracy, clearer wound delineation, and more realistic visualization of tissue vitality and re-epithelialisation. Revopoint Miraco reliably captured wound shape but produced darker tones and exaggerated surface relief, occasionally distorting depth perception. Overall, both systems successfully identified key healing features; however, Artec Eva provided more clinically accurate and visually consistent results. Three-dimensional scanning represents a valuable adjunct to conventional burn documentation.
Background: Hypertrophic scarring remains a common and clinically challenging consequence of burn injury. Although compression therapy is widely used, its effectiveness is limited by variability in pressure delivery, lack of personalization and inconsistent treatment protocols. Methods: This prospective single-centre feasibility study included adult patients with post-burn scars following deep partial-thickness or full-thickness injuries. The study was designed as a two-phase workflow. In Phase I, scars were documented using standardized photography and 3D surface scanning and were evaluated using the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS). Scars were stratified based on a predefined threshold (VSS >6) for progression to intervention. In Phase II, patient-specific compression matrices will be designed from 3D surface data and fabricated using biocompatible material. Computational modeling using finite element analysis (FEA) will be applied to simulate pressure distribution. Follow-up is planned at 1, 3, and 6 months, with the VSS as the primary outcome measure. Results: A total of 27 scars were included. The median VSS score was 7 (IQR 5–8). Based on stratification, 14 scars (51.9%) were eligible for personalized compression therapy. Three-dimensional imaging was feasible in all cases and allowed for improved qualitative visualization of scar morphology compared to standard photography. Preliminary findings support the applicability of the proposed workflow, while longitudinal outcome analysis is ongoing. Conclusions: This feasibility study presents and evaluates a clinical workflow combining 3D imaging, objective scar stratification, and personalized compression therapy. This approach provides a structured framework for personalized compression therapy, while its clinical effectiveness remains to be established. Further studies are required to evaluate long-term outcomes.
Assessment of somatotype represents an important tool in sports for the individualization of the training process and the optimization of performance, as it reflects the morphological predispositions of athletes. The aim of this study was to analyze the somatotype of male recreational and club athletes across various disciplines (football, rugby, baseball, running) and to determine the influence of sport specialization, age, and selected anthropometric characteristics on its individual components. Measurements were conducted on a sample of 73 subjects using standardized anthropometric procedures, and somatotype was determined using the Heath–Carter method by two approaches: calculation based on equations and assessment using the evaluation form. The obtained values were subsequently visualized using a somatograph. The analysis revealed significant differences between sports: football players showed an endomorphic mesomorph profile, rugby and baseball players demonstrated a predominance of the mesomorph-endomorph type, and recreational runners exhibited increased ectomorphy. With increasing age, an increase in endomorphy and a decrease in mesomorphy were observed. The study also confirmed the higher accuracy and time efficiency of the equation-based method compared to the form-based evaluation. The results highlight the importance of somatotype as a diagnostic tool applicable in the selection of sports disciplines, the adjustment of training load, and the monitoring of changes in athletes’ body composition.