Mr Kosuge is pleased to announce publication of two further leaflets to add to his library of patient information leaflets:

• Hamstring Injury - commoner in patients who frequently sprint, jump of lunge, this is an injury that can range from a mild sprain to a complete tear. The key to successful treatment is based on a dedicated rehabilitation programme.

• Quadriceps Tendinopathy - an overuse injury that presents with pain above your kneecap most noticeably with exercises. Whilst the quadriceps tendon works in tandem with the patellar tendon as part of the mechanism that straightens your knee, quadriceps tendinopathy must not be confused with patella tendinopathy.

Mr Kosuge continues to value patient feedback and below were received recently::

‘In November I had my second hip replacement with Mr Kosuge. The first was back in January 2022 and I felt that went really well and I recovered quickly. This second one went even more smoothly. I was a day patient at Rivers so went in at 7am and was back out at 7pm (my choice to be a day patient). Mr Kosuge was again excellent in his approach to me, explaining my options and more importantly his skills as a surgeon. I was walking without aides within 2 weeks and within 4 weeks I'm out taking the dogs for a walk. Amazing! Would definitely recommend Mr Kosuge if you are unfortunate enough to need a replacement.’

‘Mr Kosuge put me at ease from day one of meeting him. He is the most kindest surgeon I have met. Nothing is too much trouble for him. He cares for each patient as if they are the only one. My knee replacement has been a huge success and has given me my life back. I can’t thank him enough.’

For further patient feedback, please visit iWantGreatCare.

Do you have a hip or knee problem? Please do not hesitate to book a consultation with Mr Kosuge at Rivers Hospital in Sawbridgeworth.

Mr Kosuge would like to take this opportunity to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. He hopes that like himself, you have been able to relax and spend quality time with family & friends. Mr Kosuge often uses this time to reflect upon his year at work.

Mr Kosuge was delighted to see productivity levels at The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust improve following the hangover impact the COVID pandemic had left on elective activity, and despite the many challenges inherent in the NHS. Following the successful implementation of GIRFT related changes, this year marked a return to theatre productivity levels that Mr Kosuge is extremely proud of. This meant that Mr Kosuge was able to operate on more of his patients who desperately needed treatment.

The nature of being a surgeon is such that encountering complications in patients is an unfortunate but inevitable part of the job. Fortunately, serious complications are rare. Mr Kosuge recognises the physical and psychosocial impact that complications have on his patients and does his utmost to address issues in a timely manner. The impact of a complication on the well-being of surgeons is also well documented. After a complication, Mr Kosuge spends much time reflecting with the hope that he can identify areas for improvement. 2024 has allowed Mr Kosuge to continue to develop skills to manage his own responses to complications so that he maintains his high quality care not only for the patient who has had the complication, but also for other patients under his care.

The General Medical Council states that patients have a unique perspective and their feedback can help surgeons identify areas of strength or opportunities for improvement. Mr Kosuge is extremely grateful to his patients for feedback and collects these via mechanisms such as iWantGreatCare and ‘Friends & Family’ testing. He takes both the positive and negatives to shape his clinical practice. Mr Kosuge is also delighted to receive messages of thanks during his out-patient clinics and through letters/cards sent to him. Reflecting on these remind Mr Kosuge of why he is in the vocation of orthopaedic surgery. Mr Kosuge wishes for 2025 to be a year in which he can continue to help his patients to the best of his ability.