In India, orthopedic and joint replacement surgeries have grown steadily over the last two decades, driven by lifestyle changes, rising life expectancy, and an increase in conditions like osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, and sports injuries.
The number of joint replacements in India has advanced significantly, with world-class facilities, robotic-assisted surgeries, and specialised implant technologies now available.
However, the larger question for both patients and practitioners remains: can surgery always be avoided with proper orthopedic care?
Dr. Mir Jawad Zar Khan, one of Hyderabad’s most respected orthopedic surgeons with over 25 years of experience and nearly 20,000 surgeries to his name, believes that while surgical intervention has saved and transformed countless lives, early intervention, preventive care, and proper rehabilitation can, in many cases, reduce the need for invasive procedures.
Dr. Mir Jawad Zar Khan is the founder of Germanten Hospital in Attapur, a center for advanced orthopedics and trauma.
Trained in India and Germany, with expertise spanning joint replacement, spine surgery, and arthroscopy, he combines surgical precision with a focus on conservative care. His perspective on whether surgeries can be avoided carries the weight of both experience and outcome.
“Patients often come to me believing surgery is the only solution,” says Dr. Mir Jawad Zar Khan “But in reality, a significant percentage of cases, especially in the early stages of arthritis, spine problems, or sports injuries, can be managed effectively with physiotherapy, weight control, lifestyle changes, and targeted medications. Surgery should be a last resort, not the first option.”
The role of lifestyle factors is crucial. India’s rising burden of orthopedic conditions is not only age-related but also lifestyle-driven. Sedentary habits, lack of exercise, obesity, and poor nutrition contribute directly to joint degeneration.
Dr. Mir Jawad Zar Khan emphasizes that preventive orthopedic care should be part of everyday health routines, much like cardiac or diabetic care.
“People underestimate the importance of muscle strength and flexibility in maintaining joint health,” he explains. “Simple measures such as regular exercise, balanced nutrition with adequate calcium and vitamin D, and avoiding repetitive joint strain can delay or even prevent the progression of degenerative joint diseases.”
At the same time, Dr. Mir Jawad Zar Khan acknowledges that there are limits to non-surgical care.
Severe osteoarthritis, advanced deformities, or complex fractures often require surgical intervention to restore mobility and quality of life. His experience in computer navigation-assisted hip and knee replacement surgeries has shown how advanced techniques can ensure faster recovery and long-term outcomes.
Yet, his central message remains balanced: “Surgery is an effective tool, but it is not always the first or only tool. The real success of orthopedic care lies in accurate diagnosis, timely intervention, and individualized treatment planning. My job as a surgeon is not only to operate but to guide patients on the least invasive path to recovery.”
This philosophy also highlights the ethos of Germanten Hospital, where a multidisciplinary team of doctors, physiotherapists, and rehabilitation specialists work together.
Their aim is not only to deliver surgical excellence but also to provide comprehensive care that minimizes unnecessary procedures.
For patients, the takeaway is clear.
Seeking timely consultation, addressing pain or mobility issues early, and adhering to conservative management plans can often help avoid surgery. However, when surgery becomes unavoidable, expertise and experience matter.
In a healthcare environment where surgical solutions are sometimes overemphasized, Dr. Mir Jawad Zar Khan's experience-driven insight is a reminder that the best orthopedic care is about balance between prevention, rehabilitation, and, when necessary, surgical intervention. |
