Expectations and outcome of total hip replacement

The preoperative function, expectations of pain relief and expectations of improvement in activities of daily living were compared with the results nine months after total hip replacement in 145 patients with osteoarthrosis or rheumatoid arthritis. patients improved functionally and their expectations generally were met. They were most satisfied with improvements in pain relief and mobility but 28% still expressed disappointment because specific expectations were not fulfilled. The expectations of doctors were higher than those of occupational therapists.