103-year-old on mend after getting new hip

CHENNAI: When 103-year-old Srinivasan was wheeled in with a broken hip at the Kauvery Hospital, orthopaedic surgeons knew only a surgery could help the retired stationmaster get back on his feet. Nearly a week after going under the knife, Srinivasan walked out of the hospital promising to be "an example for all those who wish to follow him."

Srinivasan, who did most of the household chores on his own, slipped in the bathroom on July 11 and was brought in an unconscious state to the hospital. "We knew that if he didn't undergo surgery, it would not only make him immobile, but also increase risk of complications, such as bed sores and lung collapse, and mortality," said Kauvery Hospital executive director Dr Aravindan Selvaraj.

One of the common causes for fractures among the elderly is osteoarthritis. "The rate and severity of arthritis increases with age, so it tends to be extremely advanced for older arthritic patients," said ortho-geriatrician Dr Lakshmipathy Ramesh.

The decision to operate in such cases is based on a risk to benefit ratio after a discussion with the patients and their relatives, he said, adding that age is not a risk in itself but signals that they are likely to have other significant health problems. Srinivasan was cleared by a cardiologist and underwent a series of tests before being taken into the operation theatre.

During the surgery, orthosurgeon Dr M Lakshmi Naathan who led the procedure opted for an epidural anaesthesia so that Srinivasan would not wake up being confused as to where he was. The procedure was uneventful and Srinivasan started walking on the day of the surgery.

On Tuesday, doctors declared him fit for discharge. "He will need nursing care at his house for a few more days. But, now, we can say there is no upper age limit for hip replacements," he said, as Srinivasan walked a few steps and posed for the cameras.