A hip fracture is one of the most serious injuries an older adult can sustain and for families in Mumbai, the hours immediately after the injury are filled with fear, questions, and decisions that need to be made quickly.
This article is written for patients and families facing a hip fracture diagnosis right now. It explains what surgery is likely needed, what to expect, and how to navigate care decisions in Mumbai.
Dr. Supreet Bajwa, Orthopaedic and Joint Replacement Surgeon at Wockhardt Hospital Mumbai Central & Miraroad, and Sanpada, has significant experience managing hip fractures including complex cases requiring hip replacement after fracture.
What Is a Hip Fracture?
A hip fracture is a break in the upper portion of the femur (thighbone), near the hip joint. It almost always occurs from a fall, particularly in older adults whose bones have been weakened by osteoporosis. In younger people, hip fractures typically result from high-energy trauma like road accidents.
Types of hip fracture:
- Femoral neck fracture - Break across the narrow section of the femur just below the femoral head (ball). High risk of disrupting blood supply to the femoral head.
- Intertrochanteric fracture - Break through the bony projections below the femoral Blood supply is usually preserved.
- Subtrochanteric fracture - Break just below the Less common, requires specialised fixation.
Why Hip Fracture Surgery Is Almost Always Urgent
A hip fracture almost never heals on its own the constant pull of the hip muscles and the weight of the body prevent the fragments from staying in place. Non-operative management leads to prolonged bed rest, which in elderly patients is associated with:
- Pneumonia and lung complications
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism
- Pressure sores (bedsores)
- Muscle wasting and permanent loss of mobility
- Depression and cognitive decline
Surgery within 24-48 hours is strongly recommended in most guidelines. The earlier it is done, the better the outcome for pain, mobility, and survival.
Treatment Options: Fixation vs Replacement
The type of surgery recommended depends on the location of the fracture, the patient's age, activity level, and bone quality.
Internal Fixation (DHS, Cannulated Screws, Intramedullary Nail) The broken fragments are reduced (realigned) and held together with metal screws, plates, or rods. Blood supply to the femoral head is preserved.
Suitable for:
- Intertrochanteric and subtrochanteric fractures (almost always)
- Femoral neck fractures in younger patients (under 60) where blood supply is intact
Hemiarthroplasty (Partial Hip Replacement) The fractured femoral head is removed and replaced with a metal implant. The natural socket (acetabulum) is kept. This is faster than total hip replacement and appropriate for lower-demand elderly patients.
Suitable for:
- Displaced femoral neck fractures in patients over 70 with moderate activity
- Patients where total hip replacement is too extensive
Total Hip Replacement Both the femoral head and the socket are replaced. Best outcomes for active elderly patients who have pre-existing hip arthritis or high activity demands.
Suitable for:
- Femoral neck fractures in active patients over 70
- Patients with pre-existing hip arthritis
- Patients who want the best long-term function
Dr. Bajwa's video testimonials include a patient who received a hip replacement after fracture - the difference in recovery, they report, was remarkable.
What to Expect After Hip Fracture Surgery
Day 0-1 (Surgery day): Surgery typically takes 1-2 hours. You or your family member will be encouraged to sit up the same evening. Pain is managed with nerve blocks and multimodal pain relief.
Day 1-3: Physiotherapist begins standing and stepping. Most patients start walking with a walker and walk home without support.
Week 1-2 at home: Most patients are independently mobile.
Week 3: Return to most daily activities, including driving and light work.
Month 3: Complete recovery in most patients.
Preparing the Home for Return After Hip Fracture
Before your family member is discharged, ensure:
- A raised toilet seat (or commode) is available
- Grab bars are installed in the bathroom
- The bed height is appropriate (not too low)
- Loose rugs and trip hazards are removed
- A walker or crutches are ready
- A physiotherapist is arranged for home visits
Prevention: Reducing the Risk of a Second Fracture
A hip fracture is often a sign of underlying osteoporosis. After the acute event is treated, it is essential to assess and treat bone density:
- Bone density scan (DEXA scan)
- Calcium and Vitamin D supplementation
- Bisphosphonate therapy if indicated
- Home modification to prevent falls
- Balance and strength exercises once recovered
Dr. Bajwa works with patients post-fracture to ensure both surgical and long-term bone health needs are addressed.
Why Choose Dr. Supreet Bajwa?
Fellowship-trained in Australia, Dr. Supreet Bajwa is one of India's leading hip and knee specialists, 12+ years, 3300+ surgeries, 35+ research publications.
He brought the Direct Anterior Approach (DAA) to India, is the only orthopaedic surgeon in Mumbai performing Cooled RFA, and uses Robotic Knee Surgery for precision most patients never knew was possible.
No long recovery. No unnecessary restrictions. Most patients walk within hours.
📍 Wockhardt Hospital, Mumbai Central & Mira Road
Frequently Asked Questions
My mother fell last night and cannot walk. How urgently should we go to hospital?
Immediately. If a hip fracture is suspected, do not wait. Emergency evaluation and same-day admission is appropriate. Surgery within 24-48 hours dramatically improves outcomes.
Will she ever walk again after a hip fracture?
With appropriate surgery and rehabilitation, the majority of patients regain their ability to walk. The earlier surgery is performed, the better the prognosis.
Is hip replacement better than fixation for my father's hip fracture?
It depends on the fracture type, his age, and activity level. In displaced femoral neck fractures in active patients over 70, total hip replacement consistently outperforms fixation in terms of re-operation rates and functional outcomes.
How long is the recovery from hip fracture surgery?
Most patients are discharged within 2-3 days. Full recovery to previous activity level takes 2-3 months.
Which hospital in Mumbai performs hip fracture surgery?
Wockhardt Hospital Mumbai Central, Mira Road, and MPCT Hospital Sanpada all have orthopaedic facilities equipped for hip fracture surgery. Dr. Bajwa operates at all three locations.
Book a Consultation: For a transparent, no-pressure discussion about hip replacement costs and options in Mumbai, contact Dr. Supreet Bajwa at Wockhardt Hospital, Mumbai Central & Miraroad. Call or WhatsApp: +91 9820727046