Table 2.

Patients' overall ranking (median scores) of the importance of addressing questions regarding joint replacement surgery

Question 1 (least important) – 5 (most important)	THA (N = 29 patients)	TKA (N = 19 patients)
Will the surgery affect my abilities to care for myself?	5	5
Am I going to need physical therapy?	5	5
How mobile will I be after my surgery?	5	5
When will I be able to walk normally again?	5	5
What are my options if I decide not to receive surgery?	5	4
Will the surgery cause pain afterwards?	5	4
How long will I be in the hospital?	5	4
Is there anything I can do to eliminate pain after surgery?	4	5
Will I receive medication to manage the pain?	4	4
How will I use the restroom after the surgery?	4	4
Will I have an increased chance of bleeding after surgery?	4	4
Will I need somebody to take me to and from physical therapy?	4	4
After surgery what is my physical therapy going to be like?	4	4
What is the cost of my surgery and physical therapy?	4	4
How common is the condition I have?	4	4
How flexible is the physical therapy program after my surgery?	4	4
Where can I get more information about my disease and ...?	4	4
Will I see the orthopedic surgeon after the surgeon?	4	4
How will I be able to bathe myself after the surgery?	4	4
Will the surgery affect the way I sleep?	4	4
How long will I be under anesthesia?	4	4
Who will take care of me after I leave the hospital?	4	3
Do I continue taking medications during rehabilitation?	4	3
Are there people I can reach for more information and support?	4	3
How many patients like me have decided to have this treatment?	3	4
Will my surgery decision affect my social life?	3	3.5
Will I be able to do household chores/work in the garden after ?	3	3.5
Will the physical therapy make me tired?	3	3
Will the surgery affect my sexual functioning?	3	2
Will my surgery decision change the way I look?	3	2