Using virtual reality to enhance outcomes in knee surgery

Can the Use of Virtual Reality Improve Outcomes Following Total Knee Arthroplasty With Spinal Anaesthesia? - A Pilot Study

Not applicable Interventional Belfast Health and Social Care Trust · NCT06962046

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

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 100 Years
SexAll
SponsorBelfast Health and Social Care Trust Academic / other
Locations1 site (Belfast)
Trial IDNCT06962046 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who should consider this trial

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.

Not a fit: Patients who are ASA grade 3 or 4, have cognitive impairments, or require general anaesthesia will not benefit from this study.

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 performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with VR in similar surgical contexts, indicating potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

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 this trial is running

Belfast

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Total Knee Arthroplasty
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.