3D body scanning and healthcare applications

Today, 3D body-surface scanners are transforming the ability to accurately measure a person's body size, shape, and skin-surface area. Although developed primarily for the clothing industry, 3D scanners' low cost, noninvasive character, and ease of use make them appealing for widespread clinical applications and large-scale epidemiological surveys. The time is ripe for exploiting the potential of whole-body scanners for routine clinical practice in the same way that other techniques, such as MRI, x-ray, and CT scanning have revolutionized imaging of the internal body. Three-dimensional body-surface scanning is poised to become a mainstream medical tool of major value. Now that appropriate hardware is available, the limiting factor is the software, which is rapidly becoming more sophisticated.