Patient feedback matters a great deal to Mr Kosuge. It is one of the clearest measures of whether the care he provides is meeting the standard he sets for himself, which is why he asks every patient to share their experience on independent, verified review platforms. The feedback across those platforms has been consistently strong. On iWantGreatCare his rating stands at 5.0 out of 5 from more than 350 verified reviews. On Doctify it is 4.98 out of 5 and on Top Doctors 5.0 out of 5 from verified patient reviews.

The numbers tell only part of the story. What patients actually write is more revealing, so here is a selection of recent reviews, grouped by the themes that come up most often.

Time to ask questions and no pressure

"The consultant took time with me to answer all my questions. The appointment was not rushed. Very informative and very reassuring."

"Mr Kosuge was very informative about my condition, thoroughly professional throughout and laid out my options clearly and with no pressure. I would recommend Mr Kosuge to anyone."

"Mr Kosuge explained everything that I needed to know about my knee replacement in a straightforward manner. His enthusiasm for his work rubs off on you and you feel motivated."

After a hip replacement

"I saw Mr Kosuge for a second opinion. He was very thorough when examining me and explained everything fully. He replaced my hip joint and my recovery was excellent. The scar has healed extremely well and is very neat. Highly recommended."

"Mr Kosuge has replaced both of my hips over the past few months to the highest standard. Whilst he is totally professional he was also kind, caring and understanding, which gave me the confidence to proceed. I highly recommend him."

After a knee replacement

"Mr Kosuge conducted a total knee replacement two months ago. The result has been excellent and I have not needed any pain medication for the past few weeks. From the initial assessment to the follow-up he has been easy to talk to and to ask questions of, which is very reassuring."

Sharing your own experience

Reviews like these are the reason Mr Kosuge continues to ask every patient for honest feedback, good or otherwise. If he has cared for you, you are warmly invited to share your own experience on Doctify, Top Doctors or iWantGreatCare, or to leave a Google review. Honest feedback helps other patients who are trying to decide. It also helps Mr Kosuge keep improving his care.

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

• Online booking

• Telephone: 01279 602675

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