Accuracy And Precision Evaluation of Facial Scanning with Smartphones Compared to Three-Dimensional Facial Digitization Technology: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy and precision of facial scanning using smartphones compared to traditional 3D facial digitization technology through a systematic review and meta-analysis. Following the Cochrane protocol, a comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Embase until March 2024 using keywords derived from the PICO question with no time or language restrictions. Non-randomized controlled trials (in vivo or in vitro) that compared facial scanning with smartphones to professional facial scanners using facial markers were included. Studies were assessed to compare the accuracy of facial scanning using mobile devices versus professional scanners, based on the ChR-ChL linear measurement. Data were analyzed using a fixed-effects meta-analysis in RevMan (Review Manager Cochrane). The risk of bias was assessed with the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 (QUADAS-2) tool. The search yielded 2,355 studies, with five meeting the eligibility criteria. Of these, three provided sufficient data for the quantitative meta-analysis. The analysis showed no significant mean difference in the ChR-ChL measurement between mobile devices and professional scanners (MD: 0.51, 95% CI: -0.92 to 1.95, p = 0.49). There was moderate heterogeneity (I² = 49%) among the studies. Within the limitations of this systematic review, smartphone-based facial scanning demonstrates a clinically applicable performance for tasks that do not require micrometric precision.