Effects of Music on Acute Postoperative Pain Intensity and Mobility After Fragility Hip Fracture

Effects of Music on Acute Postoperative Pain Intensity and Mobility After Fragility Hip Fracture: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Music has been proven to be beneficial in postoperative care by reducing pain. The effects of music listening to reduce pain postoperatively are well studied among cases undergoing elective orthopaedic surgery. No study has been conducted focusing on pain control among cases with fragility hip fractures in an acute ward setting with non-schedule non-elective orthopaedic operation.

In Queen Elizabeth Hospital a standardized analgesic protocol is used for all fragility hip fracture cases unless contraindicated, a suboptimal post-operative pain control is not uncommonly seen. Stepping up analgesics is usually a concern in the elderly with a higher rate of side effects, a safe and simple non-pharmacological intervention for pain control is therefore needed.

The aim of this study is to study the effectiveness of incorporating music on pain intensity and mobility with the standard postoperative rehabilitation care of fragility hip fracture in Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Emergency admitted to QEH/G9 due to fragility hip fracture (#NOF or # TOF) within the study period
2. Plan for surgical intervention
3. Able to provide written informed consent
4. Able to communicate in Cantonese/ Putonghua/ English

Exclusion Criteria:

1. History of dementia
2. Acute delirium upon admission
3. Disorientated to time, person or place
4. Concurrent fracture at other sites
5. Utilization of other analgesics on top of pain protocol
6. Appreciable deficits in hearing or vision
7. Hemodynamically unstable
8. Plan for neurolysis/ nerve block as definite treatment or opt for conservative treatment