Giving a ray of hope for many particularly elderly people suffering with hip fracture, a team of doctors at a hospital in the national capital has successfully conducted hip replacement therapy in a 100-year-old patient, restoring his mobility and quality of life.
Senior orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Rahul Sharma at Sawan Neelu Angel’s Hospital, Saket, Delhi who led the surgery said that usually elderly patients—especially those approaching or surpassing the century mark—faced a lifetime of dependency such as mobility and severe pain due to complications like blood loss and infections
However, conducting such surgery in old patients is not so easy. Dr. Sharma, an expert in hip, knee, and shoulder surgeries and founder of the Life in Motion Clinic, who practices at Sawan Neelu Angel’s Hospital explained: “A hip fracture in patients over 65 can be a complex and dangerous problem. The surgery, combined with a rigorous rehabilitation process, is critical—especially for our oldest patients. Every successful surgery not only restores mobility but also reinforces faith in modern medical advancements.”
Following a fall at home, Kapur had suffered a severe fracture that resulted in acute, unbearable pain. After being promptly admitted, Dr. Sharma advised an immediate elective hip replacement—the only viable solution considering Kapur’s fracture type and accompanying health conditions. The surgical team adhered to the highest standards of asepsis to prevent infection, ensuring a meticulous operation that lasted only one to two hours. Within three days, Kapur was discharged and has since begun a comprehensive rehabilitation program, already showing promising improvements in mobility and comfort.
“Older adults face unique challenges such as reduced mobility, balance issues, and chronic conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease that increase the risk of falls and fractures,” added Dr. Sharma. “Our goal is to provide standardized, multidisciplinary care that not only treats the injury but also significantly improves the patient’s quality of life.”
He added that advancements in medical science have revolutionized the management of hip fractures, a condition that affects nearly 50% of women and 20% of men over the age of 50 in India. Studies indicate that by 2026, India could see as many as 600,000 osteoporotic hip fractures annually, with mortality rates ranging between 15% and 36% and a two-year mortality rate around 11.2%.
Hip fractures caused by falls are a common and increasingly prevalent injury among the elderly. Hip fractures themselves do not cause increased mortality risk for patients, but rather the complications from prolonged immobility, such as pneumonia or urinary tract infections.
A 2023 study titled “Excess Mortality in Elderly Hip Fracture Patients: An Indian Experience,” published in the Chinese Journal of Traumatology, highlights the urgency for immediate intervention. It found that Indian patients with hip fractures are approximately five times more likely to die than the general population. Notably, while mortality rates rise with age, the highest excess mortality was observed in younger patients. The mortality risk from hip fractures surpasses that of myocardial infarction, breast cancer, and cervical cancer.
This important research was conducted by a team of orthopedic surgeons, including Dr. Jaiben George, Dr. Vijay Sharma, Dr. Kamran Farooque, Dr. Vivek Trikha, and Dr. Samarth Mittal from the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at JPNA Trauma Centre, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi.
Preventing Hip Fractures
Bone Health: Ensure sufficient calcium and vitamin D intake, and consider osteoporosis medications.
Exercise: Perform weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercises to improve balance.
Home Safety: Reduce fall hazards by installing grab bars and enhancing lighting.
Vision Care: Have regular eye exams and wear appropriate eyewear to prevent falls.