Chennai: SIMS Hospital has reported a major development in hip reconstruction with the use of a new-generation bone-sparing technique, which the hospital describes as the first of its kind in Asia.
The procedure was carried out on two overseas patients who travelled to Chennai for treatment. The patients were Hurvey Welles Haskins IV, aged 44, from the US, and Mark William Maybank, aged 58, from the UK.
At the centre of the technique is preservation of the patient’s natural bone. Unlike approaches that may require substantial removal of bone during hip reconstruction, the newer method seeks to retain a greater amount of the existing bone while providing a stable and functional hip.
This can be particularly relevant for younger and physically active patients, as preserving bone may leave more options available if another intervention becomes necessary in the future.
The technique also aims to reproduce the hip’s natural anatomical alignment and biomechanics more closely. According to the hospital, this approach is intended to support implant stability and help patients return to a wider range of routine activities.
Planning and Patient Selection
The two cases involved extensive preparation before surgery. The patients underwent clinical evaluation, advanced imaging and medical optimisation, followed by detailed surgical planning.
Early postoperative observations have shown encouraging functional recovery in both cases.
Dr. Vijay C Bose, Joint Director and Senior Consultant, Orthopedics, who headed the surgical team, said the procedure reflects a broader change in the way hip reconstruction can be approached.
“The goal is not simply to replace a painful joint, but to preserve as much of the patient’s own bone as possible while respecting the natural mechanics of the hip,” Bose said.
He pointed out that the technique requires careful assessment before it is offered. Age, bone strength, underlying condition, anatomy, expected activity levels and the patient’s overall medical status are among the factors that need to be considered.
He further stressed that successful outcomes depend on combining appropriate patient selection with detailed preparation, advanced technology and accurate surgical execution.
International Patients Seek Advanced Orthopaedic Care
Dr. Ravi Pachamuthu, Chairman, SRM Group, positioned the development within the continuing evolution of hip surgery towards approaches that place greater emphasis on preserving the patient’s bone and supporting long-term function.
He described the future of hip surgery as “more bone-preserving, anatomical, functional and focused on the long-term needs of patients.”
The treatment of patients from the US and UK also highlights the growing interest in India for specialised medical care. Pachamuthu said their decision to travel to Chennai reflected their confidence in the clinical expertise and infrastructure available at SIMS Hospital.
Both Haskins and Maybank reported satisfaction with their early outcomes following the procedures. Their experience in Chennai, they said, reinforced their confidence in India as a destination for advanced and specialised orthopaedic treatment.
The reported procedures represent another step towards less bone-sacrificing approaches in hip reconstruction. As techniques continue to evolve, careful patient selection, anatomical restoration and preservation of bone may become increasingly important in planning treatment for patients who require complex hip surgery.