Can the use of Virtual Reality Improve TKA Outcomes
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Can the use of Virtual Reality Improve Outcomes Following Total Knee Arthroplasty with Spinal Anaesthesia? – A Pilot Study
IRAS ID
269921
Contact name
David Johnston
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Belfast HSC Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 7 months, 27 days
Research summary
Virtual reality (VR) uses computer technology to create a three-dimensional environment which the user can explore and interact with. VR can be used to distract the patient during an operation and has been used to avoid sedative pre-medication, increase patient satisfaction and decrease pain during nerve blocks. VR used alongside spinal anaesthetic for hip, knee and ankle operations has shown a trend of less sedation being required with no decrease in patient satisfaction. However, this study did not investigate any other outcomes other than type and amount of sedation and duration of surgery.
The most common type of anaesthesia given during total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is spinal. Spinal anaesthesia is given unless there are complications or other conditions present, and general anaesthesia is given instead. General anaesthesia puts the patient to sleep during the operation, whereas spinal anaesthesia allows the patient to stay awake, but numbs the lower half of the body so no pain is felt. Sedation is usually given with spinal anaesthesia to make the patient relaxed and sleepy. Light sedation will allow the patient to be awake but relaxed, whereas deeper sedation means the patient is more likely to be asleep and less likely to recall what happened during the operation. Sedation can cause a number of side effects including nausea, vomiting, headache, drowsiness, pain, confusion, memory loss and breathing difficulties.
In this study, all patients will receive spinal anaesthesia. Group 1 will receive VR and a light level of sedation, whilst Group 2 will not receive VR but will receive a deeper level of sedation (standard of care). When using VR during TKA, a lighter level of sedation should be required. This could help to reduce side effects and aid quicker patient recovery. This pilot study aims to investigate this further.
REC name
Wales REC 4
REC reference
20/WA/0046
Date of REC Opinion
10 Feb 2020
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion