Recent years have seen significant advancements in orthopaedic science, redefining the diagnosis, treatment, and recovery of joint disorders, according to Dr. Ashwani Maichand, Senior Consultant and Director at Minomax Orthopaedics and Director of Orthopaedics at CK Birla Hospital. With decades worth of experience in joint reconstruction, Dr. Maichand highlighted that modern joint replacement combines technological innovation with a strong focus on faster recovery, improved patient experience and rehabilitation.
While joint replacement surgery has become increasingly common, recovery and rehabilitation remain long, demanding, and often discouraging for patients, said Dr. Ashwani Maichand. Drawing from decades of experience in joint reconstruction, Dr. Maichand noted that prolonged rehabilitation, post-operative stiffness, and delayed return to independence continue to be the most significant challenges following conventional joint replacement procedures.
“Traditional joint replacement surgeries such as total knee replacement come with a long recovery curve. Patients often struggle with stiffness, reduced mobility, and dependence on walking aids for weeks or even months,” Dr. Maichand observed. “This is precisely where surgical philosophy and techniques have evolved.”
Dr. Maichand has reimagined joint replacement procedures with ingenuous practices such as minimally invasive surgery (MIS). According to Dr. Maichand, minimally invasive and muscle-sparing procedures are redefining outcomes in orthopaedic care. Internationally recognised for his work in minimally invasive hip replacement surgery, he has consistently advocated fast-paced, tissue-preserving techniques that allow patients to begin walking within hours of surgery. In his practice, patients undergoing minimally invasive hip procedures are mobilised on the same day, with markedly reduced pain and faster functional recovery.
Dr. Maichand is recognised for introducing MIS in hip replacement that has seen tremendous success across the board. When it comes to knee conditions, Dr. Maichand emphasised that he does not routinely recommend total knee replacement unless absolutely necessary. Instead, he prefers focused, minimally invasive knee procedures that address the specific problem area while preserving as much of the natural joint as possible. “Replacing the entire joint is not always the best solution. Wherever feasible, less invasive interventions can deliver excellent outcomes with far fewer long-term limitations,” he said.
Dr. Maichand highlighted several common post-operative complications observed after conventional joint replacement, including stiffness, risk of thrombosis, and compromised chest and cardiac function due to delayed mobility. Minimally invasive techniques, he explained, significantly mitigate these risks by enabling early movement, improving circulation, and supporting better overall physiological recovery.
These approaches also simplify rehabilitation. Patients typically do not require prolonged physiotherapy or walking aids, and many are discharged earlier than expected. “Our team is so well-versed with these techniques that we actively discourage prolonged use of walkers, sticks, or external support,” Dr. Maichand noted. “Patients often walk out independently, go home sooner, and that moment when they realise they don’t need support is truly a moment of celebration.”
Beyond improved clinical outcomes, minimally invasive procedures also reduce overall treatment costs by shortening hospital stays and minimising post-operative complications. Early discharge and quicker return to daily activities make these techniques particularly beneficial for working professionals and elderly patients alike.
With fellowship training in joint replacement from the USA and Germany, and his role as a Visiting Surgeon at HELIOSENDO Klinik, Hamburg, Dr. Maichand continues to bring global best practices to India. At Minomax Orthopaedics and CK Birla Hospital, his focus remains on ethical, patient-first decision-making—prioritising faster recovery, safer rehabilitation, and a return to independent living rather than defaulting to extensive joint replacement procedures.
