Total Hip Replacement
Mr Dennis Kosuge is a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon with a specialist interest in hip replacement surgery. He performs hip replacements at The Rivers Hospital in Sawbridgeworth (private) and The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust in Harlow (NHS), serving patients across West Essex and East Hertfordshire, including Bishop's Stortford, Epping, Hertford, Chelmsford, and the surrounding areas.
Frequently Asked Questions about Total Hip Replacements
What is Hip Replacement Surgery?
How long does a hip replacement operation take?
Can I go home the same day as hip replacement?
How long does recovery from a hip replacement take?
Mr Kosuge’s Patient Information Booklet on Hip Osteoarthritis. Please click on image to access the leaflet.
Do I need a Hip Replacment?
Hip replacement is most commonly recommended for patients with advanced osteoarthritis of the hip, though it may also be appropriate for other conditions including rheumatoid arthritis or avascular necrosis. You may be a candidate for hip replacement if you experience:
Persistent hip or groin pain that has not responded adequately to non-surgical treatments such as physiotherapy, medication, or injections
Pain that is present at rest or during the night, affecting your sleep
Stiffness that significantly limits your ability to walk, climb stairs, or perform everyday activities
X-ray or MRI evidence of significant joint degeneration
The decision to proceed with surgery is always made jointly between you and Mr Kosuge, based on your symptoms, examination findings, imaging, and personal circumstances. Mr Kosuge is committed to a shared decision-making approach and will ensure you have all the information you need to make an informed choice.
What Is Hip Replacement Surgery?
Hip replacement surgery — also known as total hip arthroplasty — is one of the most successful and commonly performed operations in orthopaedic surgery. The procedure involves removing the damaged surfaces of the hip joint and replacing them with a prosthetic implant. For the vast majority of patients, it offers a dramatic and long-lasting reduction in pain, as well as a significant improvement in mobility and quality of life.
Mr Kosuge’s Patient Information Booklet on Hip Replacement surgery. Please click on image to access the booklet.
How long does a hip replacement operation take?
Hip replacement surgery typically takes between 60 and 90 minutes. Please bear in mind that the entire process including the administering of your anaesthetic and recovering from it will mean you are away from the ward for longer. Hip replacement surgery is performed under spinal anaesthesia (less commonly a general anaesthesia). Most patients are able to walk with a frame on the same day as their operation.
Can I go home the same day as my hip replacement?
In appropriate circumstances, Mr Kosuge performs hip replacement as a day-case procedure, meaning you can go home on the same day as surgery. For the majority of patients, the hospital stay is one to two days. Mr Kosuge will assess your suitability for day-case surgery at your consultation.
How long does recovery from a hip replacement take?
Full recovery from hip replacement surgery typically takes three to six months, though most patients notice a significant improvement in pain levels within the first few weeks. Mr Kosuge provides comprehensive pre- and post-operative guidance, and his team will support you throughout your recovery.
Mr Kosuge routinely monitors his patients' outcomes using validated patient-reported outcome measures. You can review a selection of his outcome data on this website.
How long does a hip replacement last?
Modern hip replacements are designed to last 20 years or more in the majority of patients. National Joint Registry data suggests around 90% are still functioning well at 15 years.
What are the risks of hip replacement surgery?
Hip replacement carries risks including infection, blood clots, dislocation and nerve injury. Serious complications are uncommon. Mr Kosuge discusses all risks and benefits in full at your consultation and provides detailed written information so you can make a fully informed decision.
More Frequently Asked Questions:
-
There is no strict upper or lower age limit for hip replacement. Suitability is assessed based on your overall health, the severity of your symptoms and your functional goals — not your age alone. Mr Kosuge has performed successful hip replacements across a wide age range and will give you an honest opinion on whether surgery is appropriate for you.ption
-
Being overweight does not automatically exclude you from hip replacement, but it does increase the risk of certain complications including wound healing issues, infection, dislocation, implant loosening and medical complications such as deep vein thrombosis/pulmonary embolus (blood clots in the deep veins of your leg that can migrate to affect your lungs). Mr Kosuge will discuss the impact of weight on your surgical risk at your consultation and advise whether weight loss before surgery is recommended in your case.
-
Most patients can return to driving approximately 6 weeks after hip replacement, once Mr Kosuge has confirmed at your follow-up appointment that your hip movements and reaction times are safe. You must not drive until specifically cleared to do so — your insurance may be invalid if you drive before this point.
-
Most patients return to walking, swimming, cycling and golf within 3 to 6 months of their hip replacement. Low-impact activities are encouraged and most patients find they can do significantly more after surgery than before. Higher-impact activities such as running are generally not recommended as they may accelerate implant wear. Mr Kosuge will discuss your specific activity goals at your consultation.
-
The cost varies depending on the complexity of your case. Mr Kosuge is recognised by all major health insurers including BUPA, AXA Health, Aviva and Vitality. Self-pay fee information is available on the Fees page or by calling 01279 602675.
Book a Consultation
If you are experiencing hip pain and would like a specialist opinion, Mr Kosuge offers private consultations at The Rivers Hospital, High Wych Road, Sawbridgeworth, CM21 0HH. He is recognised by all major health insurance providers, including BUPA, AXA, Aviva, Vitality, and others. Self-pay appointments are also welcome.
To book an appointment, please call 01279 602675 or use the online booking link below.
NHS referrals to The Princess Alexandra Hospital, Harlow are also accepted via your GP.