Using virtual reality to reduce sedation in older patients during knee surgery

Intraoperative Virtual Reality for Older Patients Undergoing Total Knee Arthroplasty

NA · Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center · NCT04748549

This study is testing if using virtual reality can help older patients feel less anxious and need less sedation during knee surgery compared to listening to music or a fake VR experience.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment131 (estimated)
Ages60 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (other)
Locations1 site (Boston, Massachusetts)
Trial IDNCT04748549 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) in reducing the need for sedatives during total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in older patients. It is a three-armed randomized controlled trial comparing VR to music and a sham VR experience alongside usual care. The study aims to evaluate patient satisfaction, pain, and anxiety levels, as well as other outcomes like recovery time and cognitive function post-surgery. The goal is to determine if VR can enhance the surgical experience while minimizing medication use.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients aged 60 or older undergoing primary total knee replacement surgery with spinal or regional anesthesia.

Not a fit: Patients with complex surgeries, severe dementia, or those requiring general anesthesia may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to lower sedative requirements and improved patient satisfaction during knee surgeries.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results using VR in surgical settings, suggesting potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients age 60 or older undergoing primary total knee replacement surgery at BIDMC and receiving spinal/regional anesthesia
* English or Spanish speaking patients

Exclusion Criteria:

* Complex or revision surgeries
* Patients scheduled for "same day" TKA
* Open wounds or active infection of the face or eye area
* History of seizures or other symptom linked to an epileptic condition
* Patients who plan to wear hearing aids during the procedure
* Patients with a pacemaker or other implanted medical device
* Droplet or airborne precautions (as determined by local infection control policy)
* Non-English speaking or Non-Spanish speaking
* Moderate to severe dementia

Drop-Out Criteria:

* MoCA \<10 (this test will be administered on Day of Enrollment)

Where this trial is running

Boston, Massachusetts

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Total Knee Arthroplasty, Virtual Reality

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.