Post-COVID Hip Damage Triggers 40% Rise in Hip Replacement Surgeries Among Younger Indians: Experts at DELHI HIP 360 Conference

New Delhi, 24th May 2026: As May is observed as Arthritis awareness month, A worrying post-pandemic orthopaedic trend has emerged across India, with doctors reporting a significant rise in cases of hip arthritis and avascular necrosis (AVN) — a painful condition caused by disruption of blood supply to the hip bone — particularly among younger and middle-aged adults. Experts at the 2nd DELHI HIP 360 Conference, held at Crowne Plaza New Delhi on 24th May 2026, warned that the post-COVID era has accelerated hip joint damage and increased the demand for Total Hip Replacement (THR) surgeries across the country. The conference was Organised by the Delhi Orthopaedic Association in association with the Indian Arthroplasty Association.

The conference brought together leading orthopaedic surgeons, arthroplasty specialists, fellows, and residents from across India to deliberate on the latest advances in Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA), complex hip reconstruction, robotic-assisted surgery, rehabilitation, and management of post-COVID hip complications.

According to experts, hospitals are witnessing a notable increase in patients presenting with severe hip pain, limping, stiffness, and difficulty in walking due to AVN and early hip arthritis. Several recent studies globally have suggested a correlation between high-dose or prolonged steroid use during COVID treatment and osteonecrosis of the femoral head, especially among patients who already had underlying vascular or metabolic risk factors.

Medical experts noted that AVN, once largely seen in older adults or trauma patients, is now increasingly affecting individuals in their 30s and 40s. In many cases, delayed diagnosis allows the disease to progress silently until the hip joint collapses, eventually requiring total hip replacement surgery to restore mobility and quality of life.

Dr. L Tomar, Organising Chairman of DELHI HIP 360 and Director, Department of Orthopaedics and Joint Replacement at Max Hospital, New Delhi, said, “we are observing 40% rise in hip replacement surgeries in younger people. Steroids played a life-saving role during the COVID pandemic, but indiscriminate or prolonged use in some patients has been associated with a rise in osteonecrosis and early degenerative changes in the hip joint. We are now seeing relatively younger patients coming with severe hip damage, collapse of the femoral head, and advanced arthritis requiring early hip replacement surgeries.”

Dr. L Tomar further added, “India is witnessing a silent rise in hip disability due to a combination of post-COVID complications, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, trauma, alcohol consumption, and increasing life expectancy. Early diagnosis is critical because if AVN is detected in the initial stages, joint-preserving procedures may still be possible before complete destruction of the hip occurs.”

Experts highlighted that hip arthritis and AVN are no longer conditions confined to the elderly. Modern lifestyle patterns, rising obesity, lack of physical activity, and metabolic disorders are contributing significantly to the increasing burden of hip degeneration in urban India. Research published in international orthopaedic journals has shown that steroid-induced AVN may develop within months after exposure, with the hip joint being the most commonly affected site.

Dr. Karun Jain, Organising Secretary of the conference, said, “One of the biggest challenges with AVN is that patients often ignore early symptoms such as groin pain or stiffness, assuming it to be muscular pain. By the time they seek medical advice, the hip joint may already have undergone irreversible collapse. Awareness, timely MRI evaluation, and early intervention can help reduce disability.”

The conference featured extensive scientific discussions on complex primary and revision hip arthroplasty, robotic and navigation-assisted hip surgery, infection prevention, difficult hip reconstructions, dysplasia management, and enhanced recovery protocols. Surgeons also discussed how advancements in implant design, minimally invasive approaches, and precision-based technologies are improving surgical outcomes and reducing recovery time.

Dr. Gaurav Govil said, “Total Hip Replacement today is among the most successful surgeries in modern orthopaedics. With better implants, advanced surgical planning, and faster rehabilitation techniques, patients are able to return to normal life much earlier than before. However, the focus must remain on early diagnosis and evidence-based treatment to prevent avoidable disability.”

Experts at the conference stressed that India could see a substantial increase in demand for hip replacement surgeries over the next decade if early screening and preventive orthopaedic care are not strengthened. They emphasised that continuous academic collaboration, surgeon training, and adoption of modern arthroplasty techniques are essential to improve long-term patient outcomes.

The DELHI HIP 360 Conference concluded with a strong call for greater public awareness regarding persistent hip pain after COVID recovery, responsible steroid use, and timely orthopaedic consultation to prevent severe joint damage and preserve mobility in younger populations.