Benefits of intraoperative music on orthopedic surgeries under spinal anesthesia: A randomized clinical trial

To determine whether instrumental music influences the anxiety status and intraoperative sedative requirements of a patient DESIGN: A single center, prospective, randomized controlled trial SETTING: Patients between 18 and 65 years, physical status of American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA I or II) who underwent lower limb orthopedic surgery under spinal anesthesia.

Patients were assigned to one of two groups: (1) Music Group: patients hearing instrumental music through a headset during the entire procedure or (2) No Music Group: patients wearing headphones without music MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Before and after the procedure, the anxiety status of the patient was assessed using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and intraoperative sedative drug consumption was quantified.

A total of 107 patients were analyzed. A significant reduction in anxiety in the Music Group patients after surgery (p = 0.023) was found. Patients in this group also required less additional medication for intraoperative sedation (p = 0.004), and 88.9% of Music Group patients self-reported that music helped them remain calm during the procedure. Most patients in both groups agreed that music should be used during surgical procedures (98.2% and 94.3% in Music and No Music Groups, respectively) CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that listening to instrumental music during lower limb orthopedic surgery caused a reduction in anxiety and sedative requirements. Patients also self-reported a positive music-related experience.