In a remarkable display of medical prowess, doctors at Delhi’s CK Birla Hospital have restored mobility and hope to a 65-year-old woman weighing a mere 23 kg. Ravaged by severe arthritis, the woman had been confined to her bed for two years before undergoing a groundbreaking bilateral hip replacement surgery.

Today, she stands as the lightest individual of her age in India to have undergone such a complex procedure, thanks to the tireless efforts of the hospital’s orthopedic team.

For Shubhangi Devi, life had become unbearable due to the debilitating pain caused by advanced arthritis in both hips. Her condition left her entirely dependent on a wheelchair, unable to even perform basic daily activities. Her frail body, coupled with a severe deficiency in bone strength due to osteoporosis, made her case particularly challenging for the medical team.

Dr. Ashwani Maichand, Director of Orthopaedics at CK Birla Hospital, explained, “The primary challenge in this case was the risk of bone fractures due to her severely osteoporotic bones, which were both brittle and small. Despite her delicate condition and extremely low body weight—usually observed in pediatric cases—our team meticulously planned and executed the surgeries with utmost precision.”

The procedure required extraordinary caution and advanced medical expertise. The woman's bones, being soft and lacking in calcium, posed a high risk of fractures during the implant placement. Additionally, her small bone size and frail condition further complicated the situation. Nevertheless, the team at CK Birla Hospital opted for a minimally invasive surgical (MIS) approach, known for its smaller incisions, reduced tissue damage, and faster post-operative recovery.

“Each surgery, one for the right hip and another for the left, was completed in just under an hour. Given the heightened risk of anesthesia-related complications due to her advanced age, we closely monitored every aspect of the procedure to ensure her safety,” Dr. Maichand elaborated.

The transformation was nothing short of miraculous. On the very next day following the procedure, Shubhangi Devi was able to walk with the aid of a walker—an achievement that seemed impossible just a few days prior. After a smooth recovery and no complications, she was discharged within six days with a detailed post-operative care plan, including regular physiotherapy and a balanced diet to support her long-term health and mobility.

“We are optimistic about her complete recovery and her ability to lead a pain-free, independent life,” Dr. Maichand added, highlighting the importance of continued follow-ups and holistic care.

This successful surgery is emblematic of the growing demand for hip replacement procedures in India, where over 50,000 such surgeries are performed annually, driven by rising cases of arthritis and an aging population. Despite these advancements, access to complex surgeries remains limited, especially in rural areas.

The CK Birla Hospital is committed to bridging this gap by providing state-of-the-art surgical care and ensuring that even the most complex cases, like Shubhangi Devi’s, receive the timely intervention they deserve.

“Severe arthritis, if left untreated, can lead to further complications such as osteoporosis, bedsores, and life-threatening infections,” noted Dr. Maichand. “Timely medical intervention is critical to improving quality of life, especially for elderly patients.”

This case not only underscores the prowess of the medical team but also serves as an inspiration for countless patients battling chronic conditions, proving that with the right care and expertise, even the most daunting health challenges can be overcome.