Do Patient Expectations Influence Patient-Reported Outcomes and Satisfaction in Total Hip Arthroplasty? A Prospective, Multicenter Study

Background The relationship between patient expectations and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in total hip arthroplasty (THA) patients is controversial. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of preoperative patient expectations on postoperative PROs and patient satisfaction. Methods This was a prospective multicenter observational cohort study of primary THA patients. Preoperatively, patients completed Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) Hip Replacement Expectations Survey (expectations), 12 item Short Form Survey (SF-12), University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) activity score, and Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Score (HOOS). Postoperatively at 6 months and 1 year, patients completed the Hospital for Special Surgery Hip Replacement Fulfillment of Expectations Survey (fulfillment of expectations), a satisfaction survey, and the same PROs as preoperatively. Stepwise multivariate regression models were created. Results A total of 207 patients were enrolled. Follow-up rate was 91% at 6 months and 92% at 1 year. Being employed and lower baseline HOOS predicted higher expectations (employment status: B = −7.5, P =.002; HOOS: B = −0.27, P =.002). Higher preoperative expectations predicted greater improvements in UCLA activity, SF-12 physical component score, and HOOS at 6 months (UCLA activity: B = 0.03, P =.001; SF-12 physical component score: B = 0.15, P =.001; HOOS: B = 0.20; P =.008) and UCLA activity at 1 year (B = 0.02, P =.004). Furthermore, higher expectations predicted higher postoperative satisfaction and fulfillment of expectations at 6 months (satisfaction: B = 0.21, P <.001; fulfillment of expectations: B = 0.30, P <.001) and higher fulfillment of expectations at 1 year (B = 0.17, P =.006). Conclusion In patients undergoing THA, being employed and worse preoperative hip function predict of higher preoperative expectations of surgery. Higher expectations predict greater improvement in PROs, greater patient satisfaction, and the fulfillment of expectations. These findings can be used to guide patient counseling and shared decision making preoperatively.