94-Year-Old Man Walks Again After Complex Stroke and Thigh Fracture Surgery at Fortis Shalimar Bagh

New Delhi: In a significant example of coordinated multi-speciality care, doctors at Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh, successfully treated a 94-year-old man who had suffered multiple strokes and a complex fracture in his right thigh bone following a fall at home. 

At Fortis Hospital, a team of specialists treated the elderly patient who was admitted in a semi-conscious state due to worsening chronic lung disease and acute stroke after a fall. 

Despite the high risks involved, a team led by Dr. Sonal Gupta, Senior Director & HOD – Neuro and Spine Surgery, and Dr. Puneet Mishra, Director & Unit Head – Orthopaedics, along with Pulmonology, Anaesthesia, and Critical Care teams, carefully evaluated the risks, counseled the family, and developed a safe and effective surgical plan.

The complex femur surgery was completed in just 45 minutes thanks to the team’s coordinated efforts, and the patient was discharged in stable condition within 11 days—successfully regaining his mobility.

Post the fall, the patient was immediately rushed to Fortis Shalimar Bagh. Upon admission, the patient was unconscious due to acute multiple strokes and dangerously elevated carbon dioxide levels, a consequence of his pre-existing advanced Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). He was immediately placed on ventilator support in the emergency room.

An X-ray of the right thigh revealed a fracture in his right thigh bone. Additionally, the patient exhibited mild weakness on the left side of his body, prompting an MRI of the brain, which confirmed multiple acute strokes. 

The patient remained on ventilator support for approximately five days, two days before surgery and three days post-operation, until his respiratory condition stabilised enough for gradual weaning.

While still on ventilator support, the patient underwent surgery to repair the fractured femur. 

The procedure involved soft tissue repair, flap closure, and the placement of a metal implant to stabilise the bone. Remarkably, the patient was weaned off the ventilator within three days post-surgery, shifted to the ward by the fifth day, and by the end of the week, began walking with the help of a walker.

Dr. Sonal Gupta, Senior Director & HOD - Neuro and Spine Surgery, said, “The patient had a history of a fall at home, but a CT scan done immediately could not explain the left side weakness of limbs, so an MRI scan was performed. 

This showed multiple acute strokes, which were first treated before the surgery for his bone fracture. Once his stroke condition stabilised, the patient was then operated on for a fracture of his right thigh bone.”

Giving details of the case, Dr. Puneet Mishra, Director & Unit Head - Orthopaedics at Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh, said, “With vigilant peri-operative support from our critical care team, the patient once again regained mobility. 

This is not merely a story of survival; it's about reclaiming independence at an age where many would have surrendered or not healed. The case underscores the transformative power of coordinated care, the expertise of our clinical teams and the resilience of the human spirit. 

Without timely surgical intervention, the patient would have faced a cascade of complications ranging from pressure sores and blood clots to chronic pain. But with courage, collaboration and clinical excellence, he walked out of the hospital not just treated, but triumphant!”

Mahipal Singh Bhanot, Business Head, Fortis Hospital Shalimar Bagh, said, “This case highlights Fortis Shalimar Bagh’s clinical expertise and the hospital’s ability to respond swiftly to complex medical emergencies. Such surgeries normally take this much time. 

It is more about multiple comorbidities in a 94-year-old patient and still being able to give an outcome due to a multidisciplinary approach. This case is a testament to our advanced medical infrastructure, the skill of our specialists, and the strength of our emergency response protocols. 

We remain committed to delivering world-class care with precision, speed, and compassion.”