Navi Mumbai: 45-year-old man finds relief from avascular necrosis after undergoing total hip replacement surgery

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In a successful medical procedure, a 45-year-old Navi Mumbai man who had been experiencing avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head for the past year, underwent a total hip replacement surgery in Navi Mumbai.

The patient, Mahesh Dhawalkar's condition was a result of unmonitored steroid usage for managing Covid-19 infection. He had been suffering from walking pain for more than a year. Despite seeking help from multiple doctors and trying various medications including painkillers, he found no relief.

A team led by Dr Deepak Gautam, Director of Orthopedic Medicine, Medicover Hospital, Navi Mumbai, conducted the surgery. The patient was seen walking pain-free in the post-operative room just hours after the surgery and was discharged within 24 hours.

Talking about the condition, Dr Gautam said, "Avascular necrosis (AVN) or osteonecrosis means the death of bone tissue due to a lack of blood supply. It causes tiny breaks in the bone and causes the bone to collapse. AVN can occur due to long-term use of steroids, excessive alcohol, hip injury and other medical conditions. In his condition, the cause was due to steroid use after getting infected with Covid-19."

"The surgery involved removing the damaged bone and hip cartilage and replacing it with prosthetic components," he added.

During conventional hip replacement surgery through a posterior approach, the joint is approached from the back of the hip and requires a longer healing and recovery period. "We have been performing THR by this relatively newer technique in India - Direct Anterior Approach (DAA) where patients have to stay in the hospital for a minimum period. In this approach, no muscle is disturbed, hence pain is less and the patient starts moving soon after the effect of anaesthesia is over. Other benefits include less blood loss, and reduced chances of hip dislocation; the joint structure is not affected as well," informed Dr Gautam.

Expressing gratitude, the patient stated, "My life was completely disrupted due to excruciating pain while walking. It made even the simplest daily tasks feel daunting. Fortunately, I was able to receive prompt treatment here. Dr Deepak Gautam and his team employed an innovative method to address my AVN, which has transformed my life. I can now move freely and engage in activities that once seemed impossible."

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Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Kindly consult a qualified medical expert for personalised guidance.