Mr Kosuge occasionally hears the following from patients - "I have been told I am too young for a replacement." Whilst this is a well-intentioned concern, it is one that the evidence has increasingly moved away from. Here is what the current thinking actually says about age and joint replacement.
Where the "Too Young" Idea Comes From
The concern originates in the early history of joint replacement, when implant materials meant that revision surgery was substantially more complex. The logic was: if an implant lasts 10 to 15 years, operating on a 55-year-old would likely mean a second operation in their late 60s. That logic made sense in the 1980s. It is far less applicable today.
Modern Implants Are Significantly More Durable
Advances in implant materials have dramatically extended the working life of joint replacements. Registry data consistently shows that the majority of hip and knee replacements performed today are still functioning well at 20 years or beyond. The question of "when will I need it done again?" is far less pressing than it once was.
The Cost of Waiting Too Long
Delaying joint replacement has real costs. Prolonged severe pain leads to muscle wasting and deconditioning. Patients who compensate for a painful joint often develop secondary problems in other areas of the body. The longer surgery is delayed, the harder rehabilitation tends to be.
There is good evidence that patients who present for surgery in better physical condition — with stronger muscles and better general fitness — recover faster and achieve better functional outcomes. In some patients, waiting too long can work against them.
Quality of Life Matters
The decision to offer joint replacement should be driven by the impact of arthritis on quality of life, not age in isolation. A 52-year-old who cannot sleep, cannot walk without significant pain, and has exhausted conservative treatments is a legitimate surgical candidate. Mr Kosuge takes an individualised approach and gives an honest recommendation based on specific circumstances, not a blanket age threshold.
What About Being "Too Old"?
Age at the other end of the spectrum is also rarely an absolute barrier. Many patients in their 80s do extremely well after hip and knee replacement. Fitness and overall health are more relevant than age alone. Mr Kosuge will discuss any relevant surgical risk at your consultation.
To book an appointment with Mr Kosuge at The Rivers Hospital:
Telephone: 01279 602675