The Deccan Hospital raises awareness on avascular necrosis: Early detection can save the hip
The Deccan Hospital, Somajiguda, Hyderabad: Total hip replacement is a surgery that has become much more common in recent years. Previously, one of the most common indications for hip replacement was a fracture, particularly in elderly patients. However, after the COVID-19 pandemic, orthopaedic specialists have observed an increase in patients presenting with avascular necrosis (AVN) of the hip, a condition in which the blood supply to the hip joint is compromised, eventually leading to damage of the bone.
Early Diagnosis Is the Key
Avascular necrosis can progress silently in its early stages. The earliest symptoms may be mild pain in the groin, hip or even the lower back, which many people tend to ignore, assuming it is only a minor muscular or back problem.
This pain should not be neglected, particularly when it persists or gradually increases. Patients should consult an orthopaedic surgeon at the earliest.
An X-ray may appear normal during the early stages of avascular necrosis. If the patient continues to experience pain despite a normal X-ray, further investigation is important. MRI is particularly useful for detecting early AVN, while CT scans may also be advised in selected cases to assess the extent of bone damage.
Stem Cell Therapy in Early Stages
The treatment of avascular necrosis depends largely on the stage at which it is diagnosed.
In Stage 1 and Stage 2 AVN, joint-preserving treatments, including selected stem-cell-based therapies, may be considered and can provide good results in appropriately selected patients. The objective is to preserve the natural hip joint and delay or avoid the need for replacement surgery.
However, once the disease progresses to the advanced stages, the hip joint may already have undergone significant structural damage.
In Stage 3 and Stage 4 AVN, particularly when the femoral head has collapsed and the joint is severely damaged, stem-cell treatment is generally unlikely to restore the damaged joint. For these patients, total hip replacement may be the most appropriate treatment option.
Therefore, early diagnosis is extremely important. If AVN is diagnosed before significant damage occurs, hip replacement may sometimes be avoided.
Robotic-Assisted Joint Replacement Surgery
Advances in technology have also transformed joint replacement surgery. Robotic-assisted joint replacement is an advanced technique that helps the orthopaedic surgeon plan and perform surgery with a high degree of precision.
In robotic-assisted procedures, detailed pre-operative imaging and computer-assisted planning help the surgeon assess the patient’s individual anatomy and plan the positioning and alignment of the implants. During surgery, the robotic technology assists the surgeon in executing the planned procedure accurately.
It is important to understand that the surgeon remains in control of the operation. The robotic system is a technological aid that supports precision, planning and implant positioning; it does not replace the expertise and decision-making of the orthopaedic surgeon.
Robotic-assisted technology can be particularly useful in appropriately selected patients undergoing knee and hip replacement procedures, with the aim of achieving accurate alignment, proper implant positioning and reproducible surgical results.
Advanced Joint Replacement Care at The Deccan Hospital
The Deccan Hospital, Somajiguda, Hyderabad, provides comprehensive orthopaedic care, including evaluation and management of hip and knee disorders and advanced joint replacement procedures.
The hospital’s orthopaedic services bring together specialist consultation, diagnostic evaluation, surgical planning, modern operation-theatre facilities, post-operative monitoring and rehabilitation support under one roof. For patients requiring joint replacement, the availability of advanced surgical technology, experienced orthopaedic specialists and comprehensive peri-operative care can help provide a structured treatment journey—from accurate diagnosis and surgical planning through recovery and rehabilitation.
Faster Recovery and Better Quality of Life
Patients undergoing total hip replacement generally experience significant improvement in pain, mobility and quality of life. Recovery can be very encouraging, although the duration varies from patient to patient depending on age, overall health, bone quality, muscle strength and other medical conditions.
The increasing availability of modern surgical techniques, including robotic-assisted joint replacement, has further enhanced the precision and planning of these procedures. The important message for patients is simple: do not ignore persistent hip or groin pain. A mild pain today could be an early warning sign of a condition that may become serious if left untreated.
Early consultation, appropriate imaging and timely treatment can sometimes help preserve the natural hip and prevent the need for a joint replacement.
If you have persistent hip, groin or unexplained lower-back pain, consult an orthopaedic specialist at the earliest rather than waiting for the symptoms to become severe.