The Medical Imaging Working Group
The ERN CRANIO Medical Imaging Working Group brings together clinicians, engineers, computer scientists, and researchers to advance the safe, reproducible, and clinically meaningful use of imaging in craniofacial care. Our primary goal is to help centres across Europe implement 3D imaging safely, consistently, and in ways that improve patient care. Standardised image acquisition, processing, and analysis enable meaningful comparisons between centres, facilitate multicentre studies, and accelerate the translation of research into clinical practice. To achieve this, we develop consensus guidelines and best practices, create open-source software, establish shared datasets, and organise workshops and collaborative research initiatives.
Non-Invasive Imaging
Three-dimensional (3D) imaging enables objective, quantitative assessment of craniofacial morphology and supports diagnosis, treatment planning, and longitudinal follow-up. Among these technologies, 3D photogrammetry provides a safe, radiation-free approach to reconstructing detailed 3D surface models from multiple photographs, without sedation or ionising radiation. Because it is quick, non-invasive, and easy to repeat, it is particularly well suited for the long-term follow-up of children with craniofacial conditions.
The working group has a strong focus on advancing the clinical implementation of 3D photogrammetry. Rather than relying on subjective clinical assessment or repeated imaging with ionising radiation, it enables objective, reproducible assessment of craniofacial shape throughout growth and treatment. These quantitative measurements support clinical decision-making, facilitate multicentre research, and contribute to a better understanding of craniofacial disorders and treatment outcomes.
Illustration by Aurélie Loyer.
Integrated Imaging
The working group is increasingly focusing on how imaging modalities can complement one another. Rather than considering 3D photogrammetry, CT, MRI, and emerging imaging techniques in isolation, we investigate how information from each modality can be integrated to improve diagnosis, treatment planning, longitudinal follow-up, and the evidence base for future clinical guidelines. By combining imaging modalities with computational methods, we aim to maximise the clinical information obtained from each acquired scan, reduce unnecessary repeat imaging, and support more efficient and patient-centred diagnostic pathways.
Working Group Activities
The working group brings together clinicians, engineers, computer scientists, and researchers from ERN CRANIO centres. Together, we exchange expertise, establish best practices, and initiate collaborative imaging projects across the network. Our current focus includes image standardisation, objective outcome assessment, multimodal imaging, computational image analysis, artificial intelligence, and open-source software development.
Contact
If you have a question or would like advice, please reach out to the working group leads directly. We would be glad to hear from you.
Dr. Tareq Abdel Alim
Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Dr. Maxime Taverne
Hôpital Necker – Enfants Malades, Paris, France
Luke Smith
Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, United Kingdom