Hip replacement surgeries rise 40 pc among younger Indians post-COVID: Experts
New Delhi, May 24
Orthopaedic experts on Sunday raised concerns over a sharp rise in hip arthritis and avascular necrosis cases among younger and middle-aged Indians in the post-COVID period, warning that severe hip damage linked to steroid use during the pandemic is driving a surge in total hip replacement surgeries across the country.
Speaking at the 2nd Delhi HIP 360 Conference here, leading orthopaedic specialists said hospitals are witnessing a growing number of patients in their 30s and 40s suffering from advanced hip joint damage, stiffness, limping, and difficulty in walking.
The conference was organised by the Delhi Orthopaedic Association in association with the Indian Arthroplasty Association and brought together orthopaedic surgeons, arthroplasty specialists, fellows, and residents from across the country to discuss advancements in total hip arthroplasty, robotic-assisted surgeries, rehabilitation, and management of post-COVID hip complications.
Dr. L Tomar, Organising Chairman of DELHI HIP 360 and Director of the Department of Orthopaedics and Joint Replacement at Max Hospital, said doctors are observing nearly a 40 per cent rise in hip replacement surgeries among younger patients.
"Steroids played a life-saving role during the COVID pandemic, but indiscriminate or prolonged use in some patients has been associated with a rise in osteonecrosis and early degenerative changes in the hip joint. We are now seeing relatively younger patients coming with severe hip damage, collapse of the femoral head, and advanced arthritis requiring early hip replacement surgeries," he said.
Dr. Karun Jain, Organising Secretary of the conference, said many patients ignore early signs such as groin pain and stiffness, often mistaking them for muscular discomfort.
"One of the biggest challenges with AVN is delayed diagnosis. By the time patients seek medical advice, the hip joint may already have undergone irreversible collapse. Awareness, timely MRI evaluation, and early intervention can help reduce disability," he said.
Dr. Gaurav Govil said total hip replacement has become one of the most successful procedures in modern orthopaedics due to improvements in surgical planning, implants, and rehabilitation methods.
"With better implants, advanced surgical planning, and faster rehabilitation techniques, patients are able to return to normal life much earlier than before. However, the focus must remain on early diagnosis and evidence-based treatment to prevent avoidable disability," he said.
— IANS
Reader Comments
This is a wake-up call. So many of us ignored early symptoms like groin pain thinking it's just muscle strain. The article rightly says we need more awareness. My father had hip replacement at 52, but now 30-year-olds are getting it? Scary times.
Good to see advancements in robotic surgeries and rehabilitation. But the bigger issue is why so many people were given steroids without proper monitoring during COVID. The healthcare system needs to learn from this. Early MRI for anyone with hip pain post-COVID should be standard.
Reading this from the US, it's concerning. My wife is Indian and we've been discussing the long-term health impacts of COVID treatment there. Hopefully, these conferences lead to better protocols. Steroids saved lives but the side effects need serious research.
Here's my honest take : the real problem is lack of awareness among general physicians. Many patients are prescribed steroids for simple viral fever even today. We need stricter guidelines on steroid use, not just for COVID but overall. Delhi hospitals are doing good work but prevention is better than replacement.
This is a global issue. My brother-in-law in Mumbai had AVN after COVID and is now looking at hip replacement at 42. It's heartbreaking. The article mentions timely MRI - essential advice for anyone with persistent hip or groin pain after COVID recovery.
R We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.