Indications for Optical Shape Measurements in Orthopaedics and Dermatology

Summary This paper provides some basic ideas and results concerning the use of optical 3D-shape measurement techniques for medical problems. We focus herein on the structured light technique which seems to be the best method for delivering quantitative results without encumbering the patients. Image acquisition and sophisticated image processing algorithms gain insights into wound healing processes in orthopaedics or into the laser-tissue interaction in dermatology. Finally, an improved therapy or wound scoring, resp. an approved laser treatment might be evaluated from full-field 3D-measurements.