What is a Geriatric Fracture?
Geriatric fracture is a term used to describe a broken bone occurring in an elderly patient. Such fractures most commonly occur in the hip and are much more common in women. These fractures occur when the force applied to the bone is more than what it can bear. In such cases, bones become brittle due to age or conditions such as osteoporosis and cancer.
Falls and accidents are one of the most common causes of geriatric fractures. The condition may also occur when a repetitive motion has tired the muscles, pressurizing the bones more than their bearing capacity. Individuals with a sedentary lifestyle or who frequently consume alcohol are at an increased risk of developing these fractures.
How is a Geriatric Fracture treated?
Geriatric fracture treatment in Delhi depends on the type of injury, the patient's age, and their overall health. Depending on the diagnosis and severity, the doctor may choose from the following treatment options:
- Surgery, including the insertion of metal screws, nails, or plates. Surgery helps secure the bone during the healing process.
- A hip replacement procedure to remove brittle and damaged hip bones.
- Physical therapy helps patients regain movement, strength, and flexibility.
- Prescription medications for pain management and to soothe discomfort.
Benefits of Geriatric Fracture Treatment
- Geriatric fracture treatment helps restore mobility and independence in elderly patients.
- Any fracture causes a lot of pain and discomfort. The treatment helps reduce such pain and discomfort, thus improving the patient's quality of life.
- This treatment lowers the risk of complications, including blood clots, infections, and bedsores.
- Geriatric fracture treatment in Delhi minimizes the chances of long-term disability of the patient as well as their dependence on others.
- This procedure incorporates specialized techniques to manage conditions like osteoporosis. When handled by an experienced professional, the success rate of the treatment is high.
- Geriatric treatment supports overall recovery of the patient through tailored rehabilitation programs and after-care, offering long-term relief.
Cost of Geriatric Fracture Treatment in Delhi
Here's the breakdown of the cost of geriatric fracture treatment in Delhi:
- Non-surgical cast or splint: 5,000 – 25,000 INR
- Closed reduction (Bone realignment): 10,000 – 40,000 INR
- Open reduction and internal fixation surgery: 50,000 – 2,50,000 INR
- Hip replacement or complex fracture surgery: 1,50,000 – 3,00,000 INR
- Vertebroplasty or spine fracture surgery: 1,00,000 – 2,50,000 INR
Several factors come into play while deciding the overall cost of geriatric fracture treatment in Delhi:
- Complex or multiple fractures cost more than a simple fracture.
- The type of implant used by the surgeon also defines the overall cost. A high-end titanium implant costs more than its counterpart.
- The type of the hospital is another deciding factor, with a private hospital charging a higher fee than a government medical facility.
- An experienced surgeon charges a higher fee for the surgery.
- Other factors contributing to the overall cost of the surgery include physiotherapy sessions, post-operative care, medications, and follow-up care.
How is Geriatric Fracture Treatment Performed?
Conventional options, such as medications, pain management remedies, and therapies, are generally used as the first line of treatment for geriatric fracture treatment in Delhi. But if these methods do not come to your rescue, the doctor may recommend surgery.
Depending on your overall health and the severity of the condition, the surgeon may choose from the following surgical options.
Hip Pinning
Hip pinning is a surgical procedure where the surgeon uses pins or screws to keep a broken bone stable. It is performed on the neck of the thigh bone in all cases where the break has not moved.
Hip Replacement
Depending on the severity of the fracture, the surgeon may perform partial or total hip replacement. The procedure involves replacing the damaged bone with an artificial one. Alternatively, they may use a nail to drill into the bone marrow to provide it with internal support. Geriatric fractures in the intertrochanteric area are fixed with a screw and side plate or a nail inside the bone. On the contrary, fractures in the subtrochanteric area are managed with the help of a nail inside the bone.
Recovery
It is vital to take the right care for speedy recovery. The patient is brought to the recovery room. Depending on the outcomes of the surgery, they are made to stay in the hospital for a few days. During the discharge, the surgeon gives important instructions to follow. The aim of these instructions is:
- To control pain well, to ensure that the patient is comfortable.
- To prevent problems, such as blood clots and infections.
- To enable patient mobility to prevent medical issues.
- To improve the overall quality of life of the patient after the surgery.
The recovery after geriatric fracture treatment in Delhi in the elderly is a slow process.
Immediate Care
The doctor prescribes antibiotics to prevent infections. Blood thinners may be prescribed to lower the chances of blood clots. If required, the patient may be given medication in the form of intravenous or oral as the recovery progresses. The intake of opioids is closely monitored.
Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation is an important part of recovery. The surgeon will put the patient on a rehabilitation program, which will help them gain strength and movement. The key phase gives the patient independence after the procedure.
A physiotherapist will work with them throughout the recovery process. They will create a customized plan with exercises to make the muscles around the hip stronger and help them move better. This program also includes working with an occupational therapist to help with everyday things, like getting dressed, bathing, and using the bathroom.
Follow-Up Visits
It is vital not to skip follow-up visits as they help the surgeon monitor the recovery process and make important changes, if required.
Why Choose Dr. Ashwani Maichand for Geriatric Fracture Treatment?
Dr. Ashwani Maichand is a highly experienced surgeon in managing geriatric fractures with a patient-centered and evidence-based approach. With over three decades of experience, Dr. Maichand has the expertise in treating mild to severe geriatric fractures with a high success rate. He understands the unique challenges faced by the elderly patients, such as poor bone quality and slower healing, and tailors treatments accordingly.
With advanced surgical techniques and comprehensive rehabilitation plans, Dr. Maichand focuses on early mobilization and reducing complications. His emphasis on personalized care, safety, and long-term recovery ensures better outcomes, making him a trusted choice for geriatric fracture treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Patient Testimonials
Our Services
Dr. Ashwani Maichand
MBBS, MS(Orthopaedics) | Mch(Orthopaedics)
- Sr. Consultant & Director at Minomax Orthopaedics
- Director Orthopaedics, CK Birla Hospital
- Fellowship Joint Replacement (USA & GERMANY)
- Visiting Surgeon HELIOSENDO at klinik, Hamburg, Germany
Dr. Ashwani Maichand brings with him a rich experience of Orthopaedics, more than a decade of which has been dedicated to joint reconstruction.
