As the average age of the Indian population is on the rise, the normal life expectancy for some is over 90 years. On the flip side, the incidence of hip fractures is increasing rapidly. These patients present many challenges to doctors, both in terms of medical co-morbidities and orthopaedic complications. The mortality rate of hip fractures is between 10 and 20 per cent. Irrespective of age, it is necessary to surgically fix a hip fracture.
According to Dr Thomas Chandy, chief of orthopaedics, HOSMAT hospital, Bengaluru: “At HOSMAT, 70 patients between 90 and 100 have successfully undergone surgeries for hip fractures, since 2009. Only three patients had major health problems and died. This survival rate of 95.7 per cent is better than western rates. Getting the patients out of bed on the first day after surgery with minimal or no pain is key to getting excellent results.”
But why is it important to surgically fix a broken hip bone or thigh bone for somebody above 65? Without the stabilisation of the broken bone, there is severe pain that can last from several months to a lifetime. The patient is bedridden and cannot be moved or turned because of severe pain. Therefore, the patient may develop large bedsores, pneumonia and blood clot in the legs. Most of these patients will not survive beyond two to four months.
There may be small risks in performing surgery in the elderly, but for patients who do not do stabilisation, the risk is more. After stabilisation, severe bone pain disappears immediately. The patient can sit on a wheelchair soon after, and can use a walker after a few weeks.
According to Dr Ajith Benedict Rayan, medical director, HOSMAT hospital, the following precautions can be taken by senior citizens to prevent a fall:
* Clean up. Books, newspapers and footwear strewn all over the place may lead to a fall.
* Remove tripping hazards such as loose carpets, slippery throw rugs or door mats.
* Install grab bars and handrails in staircases, next to the toilet and in the bathtub.
* Avoid wearing loose clothing that are lengthy, as one can trip and fall.
* Install brighter light bulbs particularly in stairways and narrow hallways. Add night lights in bedrooms and bathrooms.
* Preferably wear shoes. Socks may be slippery. Try non-slip socks that have grip on the soles of the feet if shoes are uncomfortable.
* Use nonslip mats in bathtubs, showers, kitchens and porches, as these spots can be dangerous when wet.
* Live on one level and avoid climbing or getting down stairs frequently.
* Move around carefully. Many people fall by moving too quickly from a sitting to a standing position and vice versa.