Evaluation of patient concerns before total knee and hip arthroplasty.

The preoperative concerns of patients undergoing total knee or hip arthroplasty were evaluated in a cross-sectional study of 370 patients. Patients completed a questionnaire on 29 concerns, each rated on a scale of 1 (not concerned) to 4 (very concerned). Short Form 12 and Oxford hip or knee scores were also calculated. The results showed that the greatest concern for patients was cancellation of the surgery. This was followed by failure of the surgery to reduce pain, loss of a limb, and joint infection. Concerns regarding scar problems, nursing care, and preoperative tests were the lowest. Women showed statistically significant greater concerns in 9 areas. Younger patients (age, <65) showed increased concerns in 8 areas. Patients who had previously undergone joint arthroplasty were less concerned than those who had not undergone previous lower limb joint arthroplasty for 6 responses. They showed increased concern in 2 areas, nursing care and hospital food. Those undergoing total hip arthroplasty were more concerned about dislocation, dressing, and returning to work (all, P<.05). This study provides useful information for the preoperative counseling of patients and the production of preoperative literature.