CK Birla Hospital, Delhi Performs Hip Replacement on 65-Year-Old Woman Weighing 23kg

New Delhi: CK Birla Hospital, Delhi, achieved a significant medical milestone by successfully performing a bilateral hip replacement on a 65-year-old woman weighing just 23 kg, the lightest patient of her age in India to undergo such a complex procedure. Bedridden for two years due to severe arthritis, the surgery has restored her ability to walk. Dr. Ashwani Maichand, Director of Orthopaedics at CK Birla Hospital, led the operation, supported by a team of skilled doctors.

Shubhangi Devi had been suffering from excruciating pain in both hips due to advanced arthritis, leaving her fully dependent on a wheelchair. Her condition presented multiple challenges, including the risk of bone fractures due to her osteoporotic, brittle bones, and the difficulty of implant placement in her small bone structure. Despite these complexities and her extremely low body weight, the team opted for Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) to minimize risks and enhance recovery.

Minimally Invasive Surgery, which involves smaller incisions and reduces tissue damage, was performed in two stages—first on her right hip, followed by her left—each surgery lasting about one hour. Although there were heightened risks due to her advanced age and frailty, the medical team successfully managed anesthesia-related complications. Post-surgery, Shubhangi Devi made an impressive recovery, walking with the help of a walker the following day and being discharged within six days with a comprehensive care plan.

Dr. Ashwani Maichand explained that the patient's low weight and fragile bones made this dual hip replacement an exceptionally rare and complex case. However, with meticulous planning and execution, the surgeries were completed without complications. He emphasized the importance of post-operative care, including regular follow-ups, a proper diet, and physiotherapy, to ensure the longevity of the implants and overall health improvement.

Hip replacement surgeries are becoming more common in India, with over 50,000 procedures performed annually due to the rising cases of arthritis and the aging population. However, access to such advanced care remains limited in rural areas. CK Birla Hospital is committed to bridging this gap by offering high-quality surgical care. Timely interventions like this are crucial for elderly patients with severe arthritis, preventing further complications such as osteoporosis, bed sores, and infections, and significantly improving their quality of life.