The aim was to determine the knowledge patients have about Total Hip Joint Replacement, their expectations from it and to evaluate the degree of disability from their hip and co-morbidities.

A total of eighty questionnaires were posted to two groups of patients. The survey consisted of open ended questions. They were also requested to complete Hospital for Special Surgery Hip Replacement Expectation Survey. Patients awaiting a Total Hip Joint replacement were assessed using Harris Hip Score and Index for Coexistent Disease.

Response rate was 81%. Average Harris hip score of 44.96 for the group on the waiting list for THJR.16 of 29 patients fell between mild to severe ICED. Questions to ascertain patient’s knowledge of THJR its risks and complications were open ended. 32–67% either expressed being unaware or answered incorrectly to these questions. Analysis of the Expectation survey revealed that over 75%of patients in both groups rated 15 of the 18 items as being an important expectation. The three items rated low/not applicable in expectation were related to employment, sexual activity and use of support for mobilizing.

This survey reveals a population waiting for a THJR possessing inadequate and unacceptable levels of knowledge about it while having high expectations of improvement in their quality of life. Unmet expectations can form grounds for complaints and even recourse to medico legal action. The expectations of the patients waiting for a THJR should be discussed and realistic goals set.