PEDIATRIC ORTHOPAEDICS
Virtual reality as a distraction technique in pediatric patients undergoing orthopedic procedures: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
OrthoEvidence Journal (OE Journal) - ACE Report
Epub Ahead of Print
J Child Orthop. 2026 01-Jun;():. 10.1177/18632521251414463Study Summary
4 randomized controlled trials including 624 paediatric patients undergoing orthopaedic procedures were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis comparing virtual reality (VR) distraction with standard care. Pooled outcomes of interest included procedural pain, anxiety, and heart rate. VR distraction significantly reduced anxiety, pain, and heart rate compared with standard care, with consistent findings across sensitivity analyses and no significant subgroup differences based on study quality or country. These findings suggest that VR is an effective, safe, and child-friendly nonpharmacological intervention for reducing procedural distress during paediatric orthopaedic procedures.
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