Using virtual reality to enhance outcomes in knee surgery
Official title: Can the Use of Virtual Reality Improve Outcomes Following Total Knee Arthroplasty With Spinal Anaesthesia? - A Pilot Study
Run by Belfast Health and Social Care Trust · NCT06962046 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if using virtual reality during knee surgery can help patients feel less anxious and in less pain while needing less sedation.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 100 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Belfast Health and Social Care Trust Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Belfast) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 16, 2024 |
| Main results expected | December 2025 |
| Study ends | December 2025 |
| Registry record updated | May 8, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06962046 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who are classified as ASA grade 1 or 2 and scheduled for routine primary elective knee arthroplasty.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who are ASA grade 3 or 4, have cognitive impairments, or require general anaesthesia will not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study investigates the use of virtual reality (VR) as a non-pharmacological intervention during total knee arthroplasty (TKA) to improve patient outcomes. By employing VR, the aim is to reduce the need for sedation while maintaining or enhancing patient satisfaction and pain management. The study will include patients who are awake during the procedure, allowing them to interact with a three-dimensional environment, potentially alleviating anxiety and discomfort. The effectiveness of VR will be assessed in terms of sedation levels, pain management, and overall patient satisfaction compared to traditional sedation methods.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to reduced sedation requirements and improved patient satisfaction during knee surgeries.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results with VR in similar surgical contexts, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients ≥ 18 years old who are American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) grade 1 or 2 scheduled for routine primary elective knee arthroplasty. Exclusion Criteria: * Patients who are ASA grade 3 or 4. * Patients who cannot use VR e.g. those with dementia. * Patients with an existing diagnosis of delirium. * Patients with visual impairment if degree of myopia/hyperopia exceeds the corrective power of the VR headset. * Patients with hearing aids. * Patients with previous history of motion sickness. * Patients with epilepsy, history of black outs or fitting. * Patients who will have an operation over 1 hour in duration or any patient who requires more complex surgery. * Patients who have requested no sedation during the operation. * Patients who have received premedication. * Patients who have a general anaesthetic. * Patients who do not adequately understand verbal explanations or written information given in English, or who have special communication needs. * Patients who are not capable of informed consent.
Where it's running
-
Musgrave Park Hospital
Belfast, United Kingdom Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: David Johnston — Belfast Health and Social Care Trust
- Study coordinator: Nicola Gallagher
- Email: nicola.gallagher@belfasttrust.hscni.net
- Phone: 02895043746
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.