In a remarkable medical achievement, CK Birla Hospital, Delhi successfully performed India’s low-weight bilateral hip replacement surgery on a 65-year-old woman weighing just 23 kg. She is the lightest person of this age in the country to undergo such a complex surgery. Bedridden for two years due to severe arthritis, this life-changing operation has enabled her to walk again. The surgery was led by Dr Ashwani Maichand, Director of Orthopaedics, Delhi, with the support of a dedicated team of doctors.
The patient was suffering from Avascular necrosis (AVN) a condition where the bone tissue died due to a lack of blood supply. Also called osteonecrosis, it can lead to tiny breaks in the bone and cause the bone to collapse. The process usually takes months to years.
A broken bone or dislocated joint can stop the blood flow to a section of bone. Avascular necrosis is also associated with long-term use of high-dose steroid medications and too much alcohol. Anyone can be affected. But the condition is most common in people between the ages of 30 and 50.
It is the least reported condition and we need to create awareness regarding the same. He added
For the past two years, Shubhangi Devi had severe pain in both hips due to advanced age-related arthritis, rendering her indisposed and unable to walk. She was fully dependent on a wheelchair. Her condition had deteriorated significantly, presenting several challenges for the medical team. The first was the high risk of bone fractures during the procedure due to her severely osteoporotic bones, which were brittle and soft with low calcium content. Additionally, her small bone size made implant placement particularly difficult. Despite her frail condition and extremely low body weight—more typical of pediatric cases—the medical team opted to proceed with Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS), as the best possible solution.
Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) uses smaller incisions and advanced techniques that minimize tissue damage, resulting in less post-operative pain, faster recovery, and a quicker return to daily activities. The patient underwent two surgeries—first on the right hip and later on the left—each carefully planned and completed within approximately one hour. Despite the heightened risk of anesthesia-related complications due to her advanced age, the medical team managed these risks effectively. Post-surgery, the patient experienced a smooth recovery with no complications. She was able to walk with a walker the very next day and was discharged after six days with a comprehensive care plan. The surgery helped to treat her age-related hip arthritis, and she had no prior health issues or family history of similar conditions.
Dr. Maichand said, “The unique aspect of this case was the patient’s extremely low weight, making the dual hip replacement surgery exceptionally rare. The primary challenge was the risk of bone fractures due to her osteoporotic bones, which were both brittle and small. With cautious planning and execution, we were able to perform the surgeries successfully, without any complications. This achievement underscores the capability of our team and the advanced care we provide. Post-operative care is important for such patients. Regular follow-ups, proper diet, and physiotherapy are essential to ensure the longevity of the implants and overall health improvement. We are optimistic about Shubhangi Devi’s complete recovery and her ability to lead a pain-free, independent life.”
Hip replacement surgeries are becoming increasingly common in India, with over 50,000 procedures performed annually, driven by rising cases of arthritis and an aging population. Despite advancements, access to these surgeries remains limited in rural areas. CK Birla Hospital® is dedicated to bridging this gap by providing advanced surgical care and ensuring better health outcomes for all patients. These successful surgeries underscore the importance of timely medical intervention for elderly patients suffering from severe arthritis. If left untreated, their condition could lead to further complications such as osteoporosis, bed sores, and infections.
