Paul, a New Zealand national, was admitted to Tam Anh General Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City after a fall, his right leg nearly immobile. X-rays revealed a fractured right femur, and tests indicated underlying conditions including hypertension, myocardial ischemia, and diabetes.
Doctor Ho Van Duy An, from the Orthopedic Trauma Center at Tam Anh General Hospital, consulted with other specialists and scheduled a hip replacement for Paul under the hospital's 24-hour emergency fracture surgery program.
Before the surgery, Paul's underlying conditions were stabilized to minimize the risk of complications. He also received pre-operative physiotherapy to manage pain and familiarize himself with post-operative exercises for a more effective recovery.
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X-ray showing the fractured right femoral neck. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital |
Approximately 13 hours after admission, Paul underwent a partial hip replacement. This procedure preserves surrounding bone and soft tissue, resulting in less pain, faster recovery, and reduced risk of post-operative complications. Partial hip replacement is often recommended for elderly patients with significantly displaced femoral neck fractures or underlying medical conditions that preclude more extensive surgeries, as in Paul's case.
During the surgery, the doctor preserved healthy bone, removing the damaged bone and cartilage from the fractured femoral head and replacing it with a prosthetic. The total time from admission to the completion of surgery was under 15 hours.
The day after surgery, Paul's fracture pain had subsided, replaced by mild discomfort at the incision site. He began rehabilitation and walked with the assistance of a walker. Two days later, he was walking independently and discharged from the hospital.
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Doctor An (right) performing the hip replacement surgery. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital |
Femoral neck fractures are common among the elderly due to falls. Doctors recommend preventative measures to minimize such injuries. Regular annual health check-ups are advised for senior citizens, or immediate consultation if any unusual symptoms appear, especially after impacts or falls.
Phi Hong
