In a landmark achievement that underscores its leadership in advanced orthopaedic care, Sarvodaya Hospital, Sec 8, Faridabad, has successfully treated a highly complex case of bilateral Avascular Necrosis (AVN) of the hip in a 27-year-old patient weighing 165 kg.
Rohit Mundra, a young professional from Kolkata, was suffering from severe AVN in both hips - an increasingly common condition in younger Indians that severely restricts mobility and affects long-term quality of life. Compounded by class III obesity (BMI 49.2), which represents the most severe category of obesity and is associated with significant health risks like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, sleep, osteoarthritis, and certain cancers, while also experiencing challenges such as reduced mobility and psychosocial stress. His case posed significant surgical challenges that only a high-expertise centre could address.
India’s obesity burden now affects over 135 million people, with nearly 5% of urban youth falling into Class III obesity. This epidemic is a major driver of early joint destruction, often necessitating surgical intervention. AVN itself has seen a 30% rise in incidence over the past decade, frequently linked to steroid use, alcohol intake, and delayed diagnosis.
The patient successfully underwent hip replacement surgery on one side last year. Encouraged by his recovery and the exceptional expertise of the medical team, in 2025 he returned for the replacement of the second hip. This procedure has now been completed with equal success, further underscoring the team’s commitment to delivering advanced care and restoring mobility for patients.
Speaking about the case, Dr. Pankaj Walecha, Director & Head – Robotic Knee & Minimally Invasive Hip Replacement, Sarvodaya Hospital, Faridabad, said, “Such cases demand exceptional experience and a specialised ecosystem. A 165-kg young adult undergoing Total Hip Replacement is not common, and it requires a high level of surgical skill, meticulous planning, and a fully prepared multidisciplinary setup. AVN is rising sharply in younger age groups, and we now see such patients daily in our OPD, coming not only from all across India but also from Bangladesh and Nepal.”
Dr. Pankaj further added that obesity not only accelerates joint damage but also makes hip replacement technically demanding, requiring advanced expertise, customised implants, and an infrastructure equipped to handle high-risk procedures safely. This successful outcome reinforces Sarvodaya’s growing reputation for managing challenging orthopaedic cases with precision, safety, and long-term functional results.
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