SUCCESSFUL ARM FRACTURE FIXATION SURGERY FOR A PATIENT OVER 100 YEARS OLD

Surgery in elderly patients is always a challenge for both the patient and the surgical team. However, in cases of trauma, early surgical intervention is crucial, as prolonged immobility in older adults can lead to dangerous complications such as infections, pressure ulcers, or pulmonary embolism.

Recently, Nam Sai Gon International General Hospital received Mrs. P.T.B., a 101-year-old woman from Tien Giang Province, who had suffered a fracture in her right humerus (upper arm bone).

According to her family, she had fallen and injured her shoulder about a month ago, resulting in restricted movement of her right arm. The pain had worsened in recent days, prompting her family to bring her to Nam Sai Gon International General Hospital for evaluation.

At the time of admission, she reported severe pain and loss of function in the right arm. Clinical examination, X-ray imaging, and lab tests revealed a fracture in the upper one-third of the right humeral shaft. The orthopedic team promptly managed her pain and applied a splint to stabilize the fracture.

Dr. Huynh Dang Thanh Son, Specialist Level II, Deputy Head of the Orthopedics & Traumatology Department, shared: “X-ray results showed an oblique displaced fracture. Given the patient’s advanced age and underlying condition of primary hypertension, the surgery posed numerous risks, including pneumonia, embolism, pressure sores, intraoperative bleeding, and more. After careful consideration, we chose internal fixation using a plate and screws as the optimal method for this case”.

Internal fixation is a widely applied treatment for fractures, involving precise anatomical realignment and stabilization of the broken bone using specialized surgical implants. In this case, firm fixation was crucial to enable early mobilization post-surgery — which is key to preventing further complications and promoting recovery.

Due to the patient’s advanced age, special attention was required during pre-, intra-, and post-operative anesthesia and resuscitation care. A multidisciplinary team — including orthopedic surgeons, internal medicine specialists, anesthesiologists, and nursing staff — coordinated closely to ensure her safety. After a thorough preoperative assessment and stabilization, the surgery was completed smoothly in just one hour using a minimally invasive incision, reducing bleeding and minimizing soft tissue trauma.

Following the surgery, the patient was alert, experienced less pain, and recovered well. She was discharged five days later. Post-operative X-rays confirmed successful bone alignment and fixation. She began physical therapy as early as the first post-operative day, which helped accelerate bone healing and restore mobility. Her family expressed relief and happiness with the outcome and appreciated that the hospital accepted public health insurance, making the treatment financially manageable.

If left untreated, fractures in elderly individuals can lead to serious complications due to prolonged immobility, including pressure ulcers and infections. Dr. Son emphasized:

“In older adults, bone injuries — especially fractures — can be extremely painful and significantly reduce quality of life. Early surgical intervention is essential to help elderly patients recover mobility and maintain their independence”.

Nam Sai Gon International General Hospital accepts both public health insurance and private health insurance.

Nam Sai Gon International General Hospital

No. 88, Street No. 8, Trung Son Residential Area, Binh Hung Commune, Ho Chi Minh City.

Hotline: 18006767

info@nih.com.vn

BRC: No. 0312088602, issued on December 14th, 2012 by the Department of Planning and Investment of Ho Chi Minh City. Medical Examination and Treatment License No. 230/BYT-GPHĐ, issued by the Ministry of Health.