Steroids, protein powders behind alarming rise in hip damage among urban youth, warn experts

Group of orthopaedic experts have raised a serious public health concern, stating the misuse of steroids and unregulated protein powders is severely damaging the hips of young gym-going individuals in their 20s.

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This warning came during the 'Delhi Hip 360' conference held in the national capital, where orthopaedic specialists highlighted the alarming rise in cases of Avascular Necrosis (AVN) and early hip degeneration in youth, conditions traditionally seen in older adults.

Dr L Tomar, the organising chairman of the conference, said, "We are observing a significant surge in hip-related complaints among young patients in recent years. Every week in my OPD, I see two to three patients under the age of 30, many in their early 20s, complaining of persistent hip pain."

"Investigations often reveal Avascular Necrosis (AVN), a condition where blood supply to the hip bone is compromised, leading to bone death. In over 70% of these cases, there is a history of anabolic steroid use or excessive consumption of unverified protein powders," said Dr Tomar, who is the unit head of orthopaedics and joint replacement at Max Hospital, Delhi.