Virtual Reality Distraction for Reduction

Virtual Reality Distraction for Reduction in Acute Postoperative Pain

Using a randomized controlled design, the investigators goal is to estimate the effect of VR on postoperative analgesia and opioid consumption.

Specifically, the investigators propose to test the primary hypothesis that the use of AppliedVR software in Pico G2 4K headsets decreases acute postoperative pain scores (with a 1 point difference considered clinically important) compared to sham treatment on a 0-10 scale 15 minutes after each use in the first 48 hours after surgery or hospital discharge, whichever comes first.

Inclusion Criteria:

• American Society of Anesthesiology Physical Status 1-3;
• Scheduled for elective, primary total hip arthroplasty;
• Anticipated hospitalization of at least 1 night;
• Expected to require parenteral opioids for postoperative pain;
• Able to use IV PCA systems.

Exclusion criteria:

• History of chronic pain or care by a pain management specialist;
• Use of more than 30 mg/day of oral oxycodone (or equivalent);
• Greater than 12 weeks of current and continued opioid use;
• History of seizures, epilepsy, motion sickness, stroke, dementia;
• Non-English speaking;
• Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding;
• History of substance use disorder.