Background
Virtual reality (VR) distraction has been considered an alternative to medication to treat acute pain related to different procedures. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of VR in reducing anxiety and pain in patients having orthopedic forearm operations under supraclavicular brachial plexus block.
Methods
This was an open-label, parallel-group, randomized trial. Thirty adult patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I or II were enrolled for orthopedic forearm operations performed under supraclavicular brachial plexus block. The patients were randomized into two equal groups. In the VR group, 15 patients performed the procedure with the use of VR and administration of midazolam according to the patient’s request, while in the control group, 15 patients received 2 mg midazolam followed by a titration dose according to the patient’s request. The primary outcome was the total intravenous sedation needed for the patient. Secondary outcomes included total perioperative analgesic utilization, incidence of harmful effects, patient satisfaction rating, and hemodynamic parameters.
Results
Virtual distraction technique significantly reduced the intraoperative midazolam consumption (2.00 ± 0.00 vs 6.67 ± 2.09 mg, respectively,  < 0.001) compared to the control group. The total perioperative analgesic consumption, incidence of adverse effects, and hemodynamic parameters were not significantly different in both groups. Patients who performed the block with the VR distraction technique showed better satisfaction scores compared to the control group (9.60 ± 0.51 vs 8.53 ± 0.92, respectively,  = 0.001).
Conclusion
In orthopedic forearm surgeries under supraclavicular nerve block, the VR distraction technique can reduce intraoperative sedation requirements and improve patient satisfaction.