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:

• Online booking

• Telephone: 01279 602675

One of the questions Mr Kosuge is asked frequently at consultations is: "How long will it last?" It is entirely the right question. The answer has improved considerably over the past two decades — and for most patients, it is far more reassuring than they might expect.

What the Registry Data Shows

The National Joint Registry for England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man is one of the most comprehensive databases of joint replacement outcomes in the world. Its data consistently shows that the majority of hip and knee replacements performed today are still functioning well at 15 to 20 years. For hip replacement, the 20-year survival rate for cemented implants in appropriate patients is above 90%. Knee replacement data tells a similar story.

These are population-level figures. Individual outcomes depend on a number of factors — but for the typical patient, the probability of needing a revision operation within 20 years is relatively low.

What Affects How Long an Implant Lasts?

Several factors influence longevity. Activity level is relevant — higher-impact activities place greater stress on your hip or knee replacement. Body weight matters, as excess load accelerates wear. Age at the time of surgery is a factor, not because younger patients have worse outcomes, but because they are more likely to outlive their implant. Implant type and surgical technique also play a role — which is why the experience of the surgeon and quality of implant positioning matter.

Mr Kosuge uses implants with well-established track records supported by NJR and international registry data, and focuses on precise positioning to optimise longevity.

What Is Revision Surgery?

If an implant eventually fails — through wear, loosening, or other reasons — revision surgery can replace the components. Revision surgery is more complex than primary replacement and recovery is typically longer. However, it is a well-established procedure with good outcomes in experienced hands, and should not be a reason to avoid a primary replacement that is clinically indicated.

How to Maximise the Life of Your Implant

Maintaining a healthy weight reduces load on the joint. Staying active through low-impact exercise — swimming, cycling, walking — maintains muscle support around the implant. Avoiding very high-impact activities such as running or contact sports is generally recommended after total joint replacement. Mr Kosuge will discuss your expectations and guid you during your consultations leading up to surgery.

The Bottom Line

For most patients today, a hip or knee replacement should be expected to last well into the 20-year range — and many implants perform well beyond that. The risk of needing a revision at some future point is usually outweighed by the years of improved function and freedom from pain that replacement provides.

To book an appointment with Mr Kosuge at The Rivers Hospital:

• Online booking

• Telephone: 01279 602675