New Delhi, March 13, 2019: It’s never an easy task to walk again on your own when you have a fall at the age of 98 and fractured your hip. The lower body is immobile and the patient needs to be cared for long. Doctors say that the chance of success for patients undergoing surgery (Hip Replacement) after an age of 75 years is minimal. When no alternatives are available and pain relief is to be provided immediately, Hip Replacement surgery is the best alternative, to relieve a painful hip joint which makes walking easier in osteoporotic bones. With advancements in patient care reaching new heights, here is an example of successful case of Hip Replacement surgery performed on a nonagenarian – Lakshmamma, who had a fall resulting in hip fracture.
Dr. Vasudev Prabhu, Senior Orthopedic Surgeon, and his team of doctors from Apollo Hospitals, Sheshadripuram have accomplished a Hip Replacement for Lakshmamma who has recovered post-surgery and has been on her own for almost a year now. A resident of Sira Taluk, Tumkur District, Lakshmamma fell at her home and sustained injury to her left hip in March 2018. When asked about the need and the procedure required, Dr. Prabhu informed that the patient had already undergone a Hip Surgery on the right hip earlier 10 years back. The fall in March 2018 had resulted in the left Hip needing replacement instead of the plate and screw due to age related problems. The patient was immobile and had difficulty even to get a bedpan. Statistics indicated that over 50% of patients with age over 80 years don’t survive long post such surgery. Necessary precautions were taken, Doctors at the Apollo hospital, Sheshadripuram headed by Dr. Vasudev Prabhu and team suggested patient to undergo the surgery for which the family agreed in full confidence. What made this surgery challenging was the risks involved. At that age risk factors included osteoporotic bones, Sub optimal lungs and cardiac status and high chances of pulmonary embolism due to immobilization. All the efforts paid off when the patient starting to walk the next day of surgery with the help of support staff.
Risk factors while operating a 98 year old
- Osteoporotic bones
- Sub Optimal Lungs
- Cardiac status
- Pulmonary embolism
Dr. Anitha, granddaughter of Lakshmamma, informed that within eight hours after consultation with the Dr. Vasudev Prabhu, the patient was ready for the surgery the next day. The patient was anemic, and blood had to be transfused to perform the aforesaid procedure. The confidence instilled in the patient, the will to stand on her own legs did it for the patient whose Hip Bone was replaced and a day after, she was able to walk with the support of medical staff & the physiotherapists at Apollo Hospitals, Sheshdripuram. Availability of specialists like Cardiologists, Pulmonologists, Geriatric care team within the hospital and necessary equipment and availability of ICU facilities was the key to the success quotes Dr. Anitha. Within 12 days, the patient was mobilized to Tumkur where she now lives a healthy life. Dr. Anita and the patient’s family are in full praise and respect for the team of Doctors especially, to Dr. Vasudev Prabhu and team, the medical care team that provided excellent post-operative care. The patient is walking towards completing her 100 years and the team of doctors wish her a healthy long life.
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