Virtual Reality-Enhanced Assessment of the Anterior Glottic Angle Using Cadaveric Models: A Proof-of-Concept Study

Vocal fold paralysis (VFP) is a complex disorder that affects voice, speech, swallowing, and overall quality of life. Current evaluation methods for determining the position of paralyzed vocal folds lack the objectivity required for personalized interventions and research on innovative treatments for VFP. This study was designed to validate the accuracy and reproducibility of a virtual reality (VR)-based platform to measure the anterior glottic angle (AGA), a critical component in determining the position of a paralyzed vocal fold. Retrospective. A retrospective analysis of computed tomography (CT) scans of 39 adult patients was conducted to measure the AGA shortly after death. Two measurement methods were used: 2-dimensional (2D)-CT for direct measurements on 2D images and a 3-dimensional (3D)-VR method utilizing a dedicated platform to create a 3D VR model of the larynx. The AGA measurements conducted by two senior otolaryngologists using the 3D-VR method were compared to the 2D-CT measurements made by one of these same otolaryngologists. The mean AGA measured by the 3D-VR method was found to be 32.936 ± 6.486° (n = 39), and the measurements were highly correlated (r = 0.9670, P