Orthopaedic experts have expressed worry about a significant increase in hip arthritis and avascular necrosis (AVN) cases among younger and middle-aged individuals in India after the COVID-19 pandemic. They highlighted that the extensive use of steroids during the health crisis is leading to severe hip damage, resulting in a notable rise in total hip replacement surgeries nationwide.
During the 2nd Delhi HIP 360 Conference, orthopaedic specialists noted a growing trend of patients in their 30s and 40s experiencing advanced hip joint issues such as damage, stiffness, limping, and walking difficulties. The event, organized by the Delhi Orthopaedic Association in collaboration with the Indian Arthroplasty Association, brought together medical professionals to discuss advancements in total hip arthroplasty, robotic-assisted surgeries, and post-COVID hip complication management.
Dr. L Tomar, the Organising Chairman of DELHI HIP 360 and Director of the Department of Orthopaedics and Joint Replacement at Max Hospital, mentioned a nearly 40% increase in hip replacement surgeries among younger patients. He emphasized that while steroids were crucial during the pandemic, their indiscriminate or prolonged use has been linked to osteonecrosis and early degenerative changes in the hip joint, leading to younger individuals requiring early hip replacement procedures.
Dr. Karun Jain, the Organising Secretary of the conference, highlighted that many patients tend to overlook initial symptoms like groin pain and stiffness, often mistaking them for muscular discomfort. He stressed the importance of early diagnosis for avascular necrosis (AVN) to prevent irreversible hip joint collapse, advocating for awareness, timely MRI evaluations, and prompt intervention to minimize disability.
Dr. Gaurav Govil noted that total hip replacement has become a highly successful procedure in modern orthopaedics, attributing this success to advancements in surgical planning, implants, and rehabilitation techniques. He underlined the significance of early diagnosis and evidence-based treatment to avert unnecessary disability, emphasizing the role of improved implants, surgical planning, and rehabilitation methods in enabling patients to resume normal activities sooner.
