Published Paper Details:

Background: Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a common and painful orthopedic procedure, particularly in the immediate postoperative period. Standard pain management often relies on opioids and NSAIDs, which pose risks for elderly patients with comorbidities. Non-pharmacological interventions like music therapy are increasingly explored as adjuncts to pain management. This study examines the effect of Raag Anand Bhairavi, a Carnatic music raaga, on postoperative pain in patients undergoing TKA. Methods: This randomized controlled study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in North India. Thirty patients undergoing simultaneous bilateral TKA were included, with 10 patients in the control group (Group A) and 20 in the intervention group (Group B). Group B patients were exposed to Raag Anand Bhairavi for two hours twice daily for three days postoperatively. Pain was measured in terms of breakthrough pain episodes during the first three postoperative days. Data were analyzed using t-tests to compare pain incidence between the groups. Results: No significant difference in breakthrough pain was observed between the groups on Days 0 and 1. However, on Day 2, Group B exhibited a significantly lower incidence of breakthrough pain (p = 0.048). This suggests that Raag Anand Bhairavi may have a role in reducing pain as the acute postoperative pain begins to subside. Conclusions: Raag Anand Bhairavi showed significant pain reduction on the second postoperative day but not during the immediate postoperative period. These findings support the use of music therapy as an adjunct in pain management for TKA patients, particularly after the initial 48 hours post-surgery.