Effect of Preoperative Music Therapy on Postoperative Pain in an Orthopedic Rat Model

Objectives To evaluate the effect of preoperative classical music therapy on postoperative pain, recovery time and stress-related hormonal changes in an orthopedic rat model. Background Preoperative anxiety and pain are common, and music therapy is a promising non-pharmacological approach, but its optimal characteristics and mechanisms remain unclear. Methods Forty-five male Wistar rats were randomly allocated to control (no music), classical music or fast-tempo music groups. Music was delivered for 1 hour daily over 7 preoperative days. All rats then underwent standardized femoral fracture and intramedullary fixation. Postoperative pain was assessed at first spontaneous movement using the Rat Grimace Scale by two blinded observers, recovery time was recorded, and serum cortisol and melatonin levels were measured before music exposure and preoperatively. Results Mean pain scores were significantly lower in the classical music group than in the control and fast-tempo groups, whereas no difference was observed between control and fast-tempo groups. Recovery time and changes in cortisol and melatonin levels did not differ significantly among groups. Conclusion Preoperative classical music reduced early postoperative pain in this orthopedic rat model without affecting recovery time or cortisol and melatonin, supporting its use as a simple adjunctive strategy for postoperative pain control.