Using virtual reality to reduce pain during knee procedures
Can Virtual Reality Improve Patient Tolerance in Patients Undergoing Water Cooled Genicular Nerve Radio Frequency Ablation in Patients With Chronic Knee Pain? A Randomized Controlled Trial
This study tests if using virtual reality can help reduce pain and improve satisfaction for patients getting knee procedures compared to just sedation alone.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 62 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Northwestern University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Chicago, Illinois) |
| Trial ID | NCT06336447 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study examines the effectiveness of virtual reality as a distraction technique during sedation for patients undergoing water-cooled genicular nerve radiofrequency ablation for chronic knee pain. It compares outcomes between patients using a virtual reality headset and those receiving sedation alone. The study aims to assess procedural satisfaction, pain levels, and functional outcomes one month post-procedure, while also exploring the relationship between demographic and clinical characteristics and these outcomes.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients with chronic knee pain, evidence of osteoarthritis, and no prior knee surgeries who are undergoing genicular nerve radiofrequency ablation.
Not a fit: Patients without osteoarthritis, those with severe psychiatric conditions, or those on chronic opioid therapy may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce procedure-related pain and improve patient satisfaction during knee pain treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results using virtual reality for pain management, suggesting this approach may be effective.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients undergoing genicular RFA will be eligible for inclusion in the study * Patients with knee pain, baseline average of \> 4/10 * X-ray evidence of osteoarthritis of the knee * Pain duration of \>6 weeks and no previous knee surgeries * Patients will also only be included who have never undergone a RFA on the affected knee Exclusion Criteria: * Individuals who do not have evidence of osteoarthritis on X-ray, * Secondary gain expected to influence treatment outcomes * Poorly controlled psychiatric condition that could affect outcome (e.g. active substance abuse) or impose a barrier to participation * Chronic opioid use and anticoagulation therapy that cannot be stopped and could warrant a different treatment approach (e.g. phenol ablation) * Severe motion sickness * Seizure disorder * Vision loss * Pregnant * Nursing
Where this trial is running
Chicago, Illinois
- Northwestern Medicine Pain Center — Chicago, Illinois, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jason Ross, MD — Northwestern Univesity
- Study coordinator: Paul Fitzgerald, RN,BSN,MS
- Email: p-fitzgerald2@northwestern.edu
- Phone: 312-695-1064
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.