Injections are one of the most common treatments for hip and knee arthritis and one of the most asked about. Do they actually work? How long do they last? And are they a way of avoiding surgery, or simply delaying it? Mr Kosuge discusses this at consultation regularly, so it is worth setting out clearly.

What a cortisone injection is

A cortisone, or steroid, injection places a strong anti-inflammatory medicine directly into or around the joint. Its purpose is to calm the inflammation that drives a great deal of arthritis pain. It does not repair cartilage or reverse the arthritis. What it can do is reduce pain and improve movement, sometimes considerably.

How well they work and for how long

The response varies. Some patients experience several months of good relief, others only a few weeks and a small number notice little difference. As a general guide the benefit is temporary. Injections are not usually repeated indefinitely, because very frequent steroid injections into a joint are not advisable. Used sensibly, though, an injection can be genuinely useful. It can settle a painful flare, help you stay active, or provide relief while you decide about longer-term treatment.

A useful diagnostic role

There is a second value to an injection that is easy to overlook. When it is not certain that the joint is the true source of the pain, for example when hip and back problems overlap, the response to a well-placed injection can help confirm where the pain is really coming from. That information is valuable in its own right.

The alternatives

A cortisone injection is only one option. Weight management, low-impact exercise and physiotherapy remain the foundation of non-surgical treatment. Other injectable treatments exist, including non-steroid options such as Arthrosamid, which Mr Kosuge offers at The Rivers Hospital for suitable patients with knee osteoarthritis. And where arthritis is advanced and quality of life is significantly affected, a hip or knee replacement remains the definitive treatment. The right choice depends on the severity of the arthritis, your symptoms and what you want from treatment.

Are injections just delaying surgery?

Not necessarily. For some patients they are a way of managing symptoms well for a long period. For others they are a bridge that keeps them comfortable until the time for surgery is right. Either way, an injection is a reasonable step to consider. Choosing it does not close off any option later.

Discussing what suits you

Mr Kosuge will be happy to assess your hip or knee and explain the full range of options, from injections through to surgery.

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

• Online booking

• Telephone: 01279 602675

Alongside his clinical practice, Mr Kosuge remains closely involved in the training of the next generation of surgeons. A surgeon who teaches has to keep his knowledge current, articulate his reasoning clearly and hold himself to the standard he sets for others, all of which patients benefit from directly.

Faculty at the AO Trauma course in Leeds

In June, Mr Kosuge was a member of the faculty at the AO Trauma Basic Principles of Fracture Management Course in Leeds. The AO courses are internationally recognised as the foundation of orthopaedic trauma training. The Basic Principles course teaches orthopaedic trainee doctors the core principles of managing fractures. Contributing as faculty involves both classroom teaching and hands-on instruction, passing on the fundamentals that these trainees will build their careers upon.

Nominated for Trainer of the Year 2026

Mr Kosuge was also nominated for Trainer of the Year 2026 for Trauma and Orthopaedics by trainees for the East of England Deanery. The nomination reflects the value that trainee surgeons place on his teaching and mentorship within the region.

Recognition for Excellence in Educational Supervisor at The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust

Mr Kosuge’s supervises Foundation Year Doctors and his consistently high quality reports were recognised at the recent Annual Awards Event at The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust. Mr Kosuge is delighted that his dedication to training, mentoring and assessing doctors in training has been recognised.

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

• Online booking

• Telephone: 01279 602675