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In a significant medical achievement, CK Birla Hospital, Delhi successfully performed India’s lightest bilateral hip replacement surgery on a 65-year-old woman weighing just 23 kg. The patient, Shubhangi Devi, had been bedridden for two years due to severe arthritis, but the minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has given her a new lease on life, allowing her to walk again.
Led by Dr. Ashwani Maichand, Director of Orthopaedics at CK Birla Hospital, the surgery involved complex challenges. Shubhangi Devi's severely osteoporotic bones, coupled with her extremely low body weight and small bone size, made implant placement particularly difficult. Despite these challenges, the medical team opted for Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS), known for its smaller incisions and reduced recovery time. The patient underwent two separate surgeries for her hips, each completed in approximately one hour.
The surgeries were successful, and Shubhangi Devi began walking with the aid of a walker the day after her surgery. She was discharged after six days, with a personalised post-operative care plan including physiotherapy and dietary recommendations.
Commenting on the case, Dr. Maichand said, "The unique aspect of this surgery was the patient's low weight, which made the procedure exceptionally rare. Despite the risks of bone fractures due to her brittle bones, careful planning and execution ensured a complication-free outcome. We are optimistic about her complete recovery and her return to an independent, pain-free life."
Hip replacement surgeries are becoming increasingly common in India, with more than 50,000 procedures performed annually. The success of Shubhangi Devi's surgery underscores the importance of early intervention for elderly patients with severe arthritis, as untreated cases can lead to further complications such as osteoporosis, bed sores, and infections.
