BHU's Institute of Medical Sciences Executes Complex Hip Reconstruction Surgery on Teenager
In a significant medical achievement, the Department of Orthopaedics at the Institute of Medical Sciences (IMS), Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in Varanasi, has successfully performed a complex orthopaedic reconstructive surgery on an 18-year-old girl. The procedure involved vascularised fibular grafting to treat avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head, a condition that had severely impacted her mobility and caused chronic pain for two years.
Patient Background and Medical Challenge
The patient, a resident of Buxar in Bihar, suffered from AVN following trauma and fixation two years prior. This condition, where bone tissue dies due to a lack of blood supply, led to ischemic damage in her hip joint, making walking difficult and painful. Given her young age, total hip replacement was not considered a viable option by medical experts, who instead recommended advanced reconstructive management to preserve joint function and avoid the limitations of artificial implants.
Prof Shivam Sinha, who supervised the surgery, explained that AVN is commonly associated with fractures around the hip, as well as cases involving alcoholism or drug-induced issues. In this instance, a sudden injury disrupted the vascular supply to the hip, necessitating a specialised approach to restore blood flow and regenerate bone cells.
Surgical Procedure and Team Effort
The surgical team, including Dr Sudipto Bera, Dr Rohit Rai, Dr Digvijaysingh Sindhav, and Dr Rahul Rai, opted for vascularised fibular grafting—a technique often used for limb defects and functional restoration. This involved a meticulous 6-hour procedure where plastic surgeons harvested a segment of the fibula bone along with its blood supply, which was then transplanted into the femoral head by orthopaedic surgeons.
This method aims to reestablish blood circulation to the affected area, promoting natural bone healing and regeneration, which is crucial for long-term joint health in young patients.
Postoperative Recovery and Outlook
The surgery was completed successfully, and the patient is currently stable and recovering under close postoperative care. She is now able to move with the assistance of a walker, marking a positive step toward regaining full mobility. The team at BHU IMS highlights that this case underscores the importance of tailored surgical interventions for complex orthopaedic conditions, especially in younger individuals where traditional options like hip replacement may not be suitable.
This achievement adds to the growing expertise in reconstructive orthopaedics at BHU, offering hope for patients with similar debilitating conditions.
