[Influence of intraoperative noise protection on postoperative pain: demonstrated exemplified by total knee arthroplasty].

BACKGROUND: It is known that implied memory of intraoperative noise influences postoperative pain. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of different intraoperative noise protection methods during total knee arthroplasty on postoperative pain scores. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 83 patients were included in this prospectively designed, double-blind trial and underwent total knee arthroplasty with psoas compartment and sciatic nerve regional anesthesia and additionally propofol sedation. After randomization patients were assigned either to the noise protection group, the music group or the control group. Postoperative pain scores (VAS) were evaluated in each group. RESULTS: In the three different time intervals evaluated there were no significant differences between the groups. Also the pain maxima for each postoperative day showed no significant difference but there was a slight trend to the advantage of the music group. CONCLUSION: Even though there were no significant effects of music or noise protection on postoperative pain scores, it can be concluded, as has been done by many other authors that music should be used in the perioperative setting for general patient comfort.