Recently, a well-known former actress Tannaz Irani, known for her memorable role in Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai, reportedly opened up about Avascular necrosis (AVN), a life-altering health battle that left her in a wheelchair. The actor shared her journey of resilience and determination through one of the most challenging phases of her life. Reflecting on her ordeal, Irani said that in 2021, she struggled with walking and initially thought it was due to weight gain or a minor issue, considering seeing a chiropractor.
“So, I went and got my back checked, thinking something was wrong with my spine and did that treatment for almost three months. My back became ok, but I still couldn’t put weight on my leg. Then I started limping and that too in a very odd manner: I would take my leg and stick it out and put it back in (while walking). That became a motion I mastered so fast and one could sense that there was something amiss. That worsened it. I took MRIs, CT scans and everything. But they just said, maybe I have AVN. Basically, people who are alcoholics or take a lot of steroids get it. Neither am I an alcoholic, nor have I taken steroids. So, they were also puzzled. Thus, I became very depressed,” said Irani in a podcast.
Avascular necrosis (AVN) occurs when the blood supply to the bone is interrupted, leading to bone tissue death and eventual collapse. Eventually, she underwent hip replacement surgery because advanced AVN may require surgical interventions such as total hip replacement (THR).
Recently, for those undergoing bilateral hip replacement surgery, a medical breakthrough in the form of a minimally invasive keyhole surgery, known as the SuperPATH technique has provided much hope. The SUPERPATH technique is a minimally invasive hip replacement surgery that saves tissue and helps patients recover quickly.
“Patients can get back on their feet in days, or even hours, instead of waiting weeks or months,” said robotic joint replacement surgeon, Dr. Aashish Arbat who successfully performed bilateral hip replacement surgery by using this technique on 43-year-old patient, Lala Dhumal at Oyster and Pearl Hospitals in Pune. “The SuperPath Technique not only enhances accuracy but also minimizes blood loss and ensures a quicker recovery,” the doctor added.
Dhumal endured two years of “unbearable joint pain” following his recovery from Covid-19. What started as mild discomfort in his hips gradually worsened, severely limiting his ability to walk or perform daily activities. Over time, his condition deteriorated, leaving him completely bedridden.
After undergoing extensive tests, Ramesh was diagnosed with AVN. The diagnosis was linked to post-Covid complications; studies indicate that 3–4% of Covid-19 survivors develop AVN, with steroid treatments and post-viral inflammation being significant contributors.
Post surgery Lala Dhumal was suggested rehabilitation for a few days. With physiotherapy, he was soon able to take his first steps and is now walking independently. Dr Arbat has raised concerns about the rising cases of AVN in post-Covid patients, particularly among those treated with high-dose steroids during their illness. A recent study revealed that AVN cases have surged by 15–20 per cent globally since the pandemic, with India reporting a significant number due to its large Covid-19 caseload. Early diagnosis and timely medical intervention are critical to preventing irreversible damage and ensuring successful treatment outcomes.
Dr Arbat emphasized the importance of creating awareness about post-Covid complications and encouraged individuals to seek medical advice if they experience persistent joint pain. “Timely treatments offer hope even in advanced cases of AVN. With early detection and intervention, patients can get treatment on time and walk without pain,” he added.
As per researchers from the National and Kapodistrian University’s School of Medicine in Athens, the use of the SuperPATH approach allows for maximal tissue sparing; there is no range of motion restrictions postoperatively, and patients can achieve a high level of function with a very low dislocation risk and reduced inpatient stay.
Researchers performed the SuperPATH arthroplasty between December 2016 and December 2021 in 344 cases by a single surgeon. “In general, for surgeons who are familiar with the standard posterolateral approach, the SuperPATH approach is a reliable and safe method with promising results for the patient,” the report noted.