Hip replacement surgeries rising among Indians in their 30s and 40s after Covid, doctors warn
Hip replacement surgeries among Indians in their 30s and 40s have reportedly increased by nearly 40 per cent in the post-Covid period, with doctors linking the surge to steroid-related bone damage and delayed diagnosis of a painful condition known as avascular necrosis (AVN), according to a report by TOI.
Orthopaedic experts speaking during the DELHI HIP 360 Conference said younger and middle-aged adults are increasingly developing severe hip arthritis and joint damage after recovering from Covid-19.
Doctors Seeing More Young Patients With Severe Hip Damage
Experts said hospitals across India are now treating a growing number of younger patients complaining of severe hip pain, limping, stiffness and difficulty walking months after Covid recovery.
In many cases, patients reportedly require total hip replacement surgery after the femoral head, the ball-shaped upper part of the thigh bone, collapses because of disrupted blood supply.
Doctors believe prolonged or excessive steroid use during Covid treatment may have contributed to a rise in osteonecrosis of the femoral head, especially among people already dealing with vascular or metabolic health risks.
‘We Are Seeing Younger Patients Requiring Hip Replacements’
Dr L Tomar, organising chairman of DELHI HIP 360 and director of orthopaedics and joint replacement at Max Hospital, said AVN was once mostly seen in older adults or trauma patients but is now increasingly affecting younger age groups.
He said: “Steroids played a life-saving role during the pandemic, but their prolonged use in some patients has been associated with osteonecrosis and early degenerative changes in the hip joint.”
He further added: “We are now seeing relatively younger patients coming with severe hip damage and advanced arthritis requiring early hip replacement surgeries.”
Doctors Say Many Patients Ignore Early Warning Signs
According to specialists, symptoms such as groin pain, hip stiffness and difficulty walking are often ignored in the early stages because many people mistake them for muscle strain or general fatigue.
Dr Karun Jain, organising secretary of the conference, warned that delayed diagnosis is making the situation worse.
He explained: “By the time patients seek medical advice, the hip joint may already have undergone irreversible collapse.”
Doctors stressed that timely MRI scans and early medical intervention can significantly improve outcomes and may even help delay joint replacement surgery in some cases.
Lifestyle Factors Also Adding To The Problem
Experts also pointed towards rising obesity, sedentary lifestyles, alcohol consumption and metabolic disorders as additional reasons behind increasing hip degeneration in urban India.
They warned that without better awareness and preventive orthopaedic care, India could witness a sharp rise in hip replacement surgeries over the next decade.
Better Technology Is Improving Recovery After Surgery
Despite the worrying trend, doctors said advancements in robotic-assisted surgeries, minimally invasive procedures and improved implant technology are helping patients recover faster after hip replacement operations.
However, specialists continue to emphasise the importance of early diagnosis, responsible steroid use and regular medical follow-ups, especially for people who experienced severe Covid infections during the pandemic.
With May being observed as Arthritis Awareness Month, doctors say the rising number of younger patients needing hip replacements should serve as a serious wake-up call.
Orthopaedic experts speaking during the DELHI HIP 360 Conference said younger and middle-aged adults are increasingly developing severe hip arthritis and joint damage after recovering from Covid-19.
Doctors Seeing More Young Patients With Severe Hip Damage
Experts said hospitals across India are now treating a growing number of younger patients complaining of severe hip pain, limping, stiffness and difficulty walking months after Covid recovery.In many cases, patients reportedly require total hip replacement surgery after the femoral head, the ball-shaped upper part of the thigh bone, collapses because of disrupted blood supply.
Doctors believe prolonged or excessive steroid use during Covid treatment may have contributed to a rise in osteonecrosis of the femoral head, especially among people already dealing with vascular or metabolic health risks.
‘We Are Seeing Younger Patients Requiring Hip Replacements’
Dr L Tomar, organising chairman of DELHI HIP 360 and director of orthopaedics and joint replacement at Max Hospital, said AVN was once mostly seen in older adults or trauma patients but is now increasingly affecting younger age groups.He said: “Steroids played a life-saving role during the pandemic, but their prolonged use in some patients has been associated with osteonecrosis and early degenerative changes in the hip joint.”
He further added: “We are now seeing relatively younger patients coming with severe hip damage and advanced arthritis requiring early hip replacement surgeries.”
Doctors Say Many Patients Ignore Early Warning Signs
According to specialists, symptoms such as groin pain, hip stiffness and difficulty walking are often ignored in the early stages because many people mistake them for muscle strain or general fatigue.Dr Karun Jain, organising secretary of the conference, warned that delayed diagnosis is making the situation worse.
He explained: “By the time patients seek medical advice, the hip joint may already have undergone irreversible collapse.”
Doctors stressed that timely MRI scans and early medical intervention can significantly improve outcomes and may even help delay joint replacement surgery in some cases.
Lifestyle Factors Also Adding To The Problem
Experts also pointed towards rising obesity, sedentary lifestyles, alcohol consumption and metabolic disorders as additional reasons behind increasing hip degeneration in urban India.They warned that without better awareness and preventive orthopaedic care, India could witness a sharp rise in hip replacement surgeries over the next decade.
Better Technology Is Improving Recovery After Surgery
Despite the worrying trend, doctors said advancements in robotic-assisted surgeries, minimally invasive procedures and improved implant technology are helping patients recover faster after hip replacement operations.However, specialists continue to emphasise the importance of early diagnosis, responsible steroid use and regular medical follow-ups, especially for people who experienced severe Covid infections during the pandemic.
With May being observed as Arthritis Awareness Month, doctors say the rising number of younger patients needing hip replacements should serve as a serious wake-up call.
