Adaptive nasal bone remodeling secondary to chronic virtual reality headset use

• Published in: American journal of otolaryngology Vol. 43; no. 5; p. 103587
• Main Authors: Nasrollahi, Tasha S., Lee, Matthew K., Liu, Gene C.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Maryland Heights Elsevier Inc 01.09.2022; Elsevier Limited
• Subjects: Adaptation; Bone growth; Bone remodeling; Bony remodeling; Computer applications; Eyewear; Friction; Goggles; Headsets; Helmet mounted displays; Hyperplasia; Mechanical loading; Nasal deformity; New technology; Nose; Osteogenesis; Oxygen masks; Pathogenesis; Skin; Soft tissues; Swimming; Trauma; Virtual reality; Virtual reality headset; Bony remodeling; Virtual reality headset; Nasal deformity
• ISSN: 0196-0709; 1532-818X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.amjoto.2022.103587

Virtual Reality (VR) is an emerging technology that creates simulated experiences for the user, often through the use of heavy head-mounted displays or headsets. Nasal bone remodeling caused by structural force from the use of VR hardware has not been reported in the existing literature. We present the case of a 10-year-old boy who suffered from nasal deformity as a result of many hours of use of the Oculus VR headset. The incidence of new bone formation and soft tissue hyperplasia has been described in animal studies and seen in cases of ill-fitted eyeglasses, goggles, and oxygen masks. The bony deformities described in this case are likely the result of bone and subcutaneous tissue remodeling in the setting of repeated, intermittent, dynamic mechanical loading applied by the VR headset over many months. To our knowledge, this is the first case to describe this clinical phenomenon.