Bengaluru:
What began as severe hip pain dismissed as “old age trouble” turned into a life-altering moment for an 81-year-old gentleman, who regained mobility and hope after a complex hip surgery performed by the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery led by Dr. Harsha G N, Senior Consultant – Orthopedics, Aster Whitefield Hospital.

The elderly patient had suffered a serious fracture of the hip socket (acetabulum) and remained bedridden for two weeks, unable to move due to unbearable pain. In older adults, such fractures often occur even after minor falls because bones become weak with age. When left untreated, prolonged bed rest can lead to dangerous complications such as infections, bed sores, blood clots, and permanent loss of independence.

Advanced Diagnosis and Planning
A CT scan with high-quality 3D reconstruction was performed to assess the extent of fracture comminution and remaining bone stock. This detailed imaging played a critical role in preoperative planning, allowing the surgical team to tailor the treatment strategy precisely to the patient’s anatomy and bone quality.

Expert Surgical Management
Considering the complexity of the fracture and the patient’s age, the team opted for an acute uncemented total hip replacement using specialized revision implants, rather than conventional fixation methods that carry a high risk of failure in osteoporotic bone. The surgery was meticulously planned and executed, overcoming challenges associated with multiple fracture fragments and fragile bone.

Dr. Harsha G N, Senior Consultant – Orthopedics, Aster Whitefield Hospital who led the procedure, said, “In elderly patients with complex acetabular fractures, the goal is not just fracture management but early mobilization and restoration of dignity and independence. With advanced imaging, appropriate implant selection, and surgical expertise, even seemingly daunting cases can achieve excellent outcomes.”

Multidisciplinary Excellence
The success of the surgery was supported by exceptional intraoperative care from the Anaesthesia team, ensuring patient safety throughout the procedure, and the Radiology department, whose precise 3D imaging significantly contributed to surgical accuracy and confidence.

Rapid Recovery and Renewed Hope
The patient was mobilized the very next day after surgery, with dramatic pain relief and improved confidence. Early physiotherapy further supported functional recovery, underscoring the importance of timely surgical intervention in geriatric trauma cases, where conservative treatment is often associated with poor outcomes and higher mortality.

Initially, the patient and his family were overwhelmed by fear concerned about surgical risks, anesthesia, infection, and the possibility of prolonged dependency. However, the successful outcome transformed anxiety into relief and optimism, reinforcing trust in advanced orthopaedic care.

A Benchmark in Geriatric Trauma Care
This case highlights the department’s clinical excellence in managing complex hip and pelvic injuries in senior citizens, demonstrating that age alone should not be a barrier to definitive, mobility-restoring treatment. With the right expertise, technology, and teamwork, even high-risk geriatric fractures can be managed successfully, offering patients a chance to return to an active and independent life.