From Fracture to Freedom. 110 Year-Old Priest’s Hip Surgery Rewrites Limits of elderly Care

It’s a new lease of life for 110 year old Angappan, a temple priest in Karur district of Tamil Nadu, as he gently walks with the support of a walker and assisted by nurses. Thanks to a major surgery. 

Last month the centenarian  suffered a fall and fractured his left hip joint and turned bed ridden. The family took to native medicine but received no relief;  his pain persisted and condition only worsened.

Finally doctors at the GC Hospital in Karur decided to perform a cemented hermiarthoplasty – partial hip replacement surgery. 

Operating on a centenarian is rare. The risks are high: fragile bones, weak immunity, and anesthesia complications. But for Dr Rajinikanth and his team, the decision was clear — a partial hip replacement was necessary to give Angappan a chance at walking again.

The procedure lasted just for 30 minutes, and within 24 hours, Angappan was back on his feet with the support of a walking aid. Dr Rajinikanth says “The operation required precise planning and expert execution due to the patient’s extremely fragile bone structure and advanced age”. 

Dr Rajinikanth is confident, Angappan would be able to walk without any support in a few weeks. With mobility turning into a major challenge for the elderly, he says “We have to take care of the elderly by providing, adequate dietary supplements, sunlight exposure, and non-slippery floors.” 

Angappan’s recovery underscores what  advancements in geriatric care can achieve; restoring mobility and dignity for the elderly.