COVID Impact / Hip Replacement Surgeries Surge 40% Among Younger Indians Post-COVID
Key Points
The concern was highlighted at the 2nd Delhi HIP 360 Conference, organised by the Delhi Orthopaedic Association in collaboration with the Indian Arthroplasty Association. The event brought together leading orthopaedic surgeons, arthroplasty specialists, fellows, and residents to discuss advancements in hip replacement procedures, robotic-assisted surgeries, and rehabilitation strategies.
Dr. L Tomar, Organising Chairman of the conference and Director of Orthopaedics and Joint Replacement at Max Hospital, explained that the surge is linked to indiscriminate steroid use during the pandemic. “Steroids saved lives during COVID, but prolonged or excessive use has been associated with osteonecrosis and early degenerative changes in the hip joint. We are now seeing younger patients with severe hip damage, collapse of the femoral head, and advanced arthritis requiring early hip replacement,” he said.
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Dr. Karun Jain, Organising Secretary, emphasised the challenge of delayed diagnosis. Many patients mistake early symptoms such as groin pain and stiffness for muscular discomfort. “By the time they seek medical advice, irreversible collapse of the hip joint may have already occurred. Awareness, timely MRI scans, and early intervention are critical to reducing disability,” he noted.
Highlighting the progress in surgical techniques, Dr. Gaurav Govil said that total hip replacement has become one of the most successful procedures in modern orthopaedics. “With better implants, advanced surgical planning, and faster rehabilitation, patients can return to normal life much earlier. However, the priority must remain on early diagnosis and evidence-based treatment to prevent avoidable disability,” he added.
Experts at the conference agreed that the rise in hip replacement surgeries among younger Indians is a worrying trend that underscores the need for greater awareness, preventive care, and timely medical intervention. They also stressed the importance of strengthening rehabilitation programs and adopting advanced surgical technologies to improve patient outcomes.
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✨As India continues to grapple with the long-term health consequences of COVID-19, the surge in hip complications serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between life-saving treatments and their unintended side effects.
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