Randomized trials to modify patients' preoperative expectations of hip and knee arthroplasties

320 patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA) or total knee arthroplasty (TKA) were included in this randomized double blind clinical trial to assess the effects of different preoperative education methods on patient expectations. Patients received the usual education addressing the immediate postoperative recovery or usual education in combination with a joint specific module outlining the first 12 months of recovery. Results indicated that the module-specific education decreased patient expectations and made them similar to levels of the surgeon.