Using virtual reality to reduce pain during knee procedures
Official title: 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
Run by Northwestern University · NCT06336447 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 62 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Northwestern University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Chicago, Illinois) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 12, 2024 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2026 |
| Study ends | February 28, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | October 29, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06336447 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients without osteoarthritis, those with severe psychiatric conditions, or those on chronic opioid therapy may 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 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.
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 gone: Other studies have shown promising results using virtual reality for pain management, suggesting this approach may be effective.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
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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
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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.