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STOP Having undergone surgery at the age of 101 for a fractured femur, she has already gotten back on her feet and started taking her first steps. In recent days, the team of the orthopedics unit of the Murri hospital in Fermo, led by director Federico Lamponi, subjected the centenarian to surgery for a pertrochanteric femur fracture.
INSIGHTS
The trauma
The woman, following a fall, was taken to the emergency room and from there taken into care by the orthopedics and then operated on within 48 hours, as per practice. «The operation did not present any particular orthopedic or surgical complexities. But we are certainly talking about a patient of a very advanced age. We wanted to give her back the autonomy she had before the fall” explains Doctor Lamponi. Even though it was an ordinary operation, the unforeseen circumstances related to her age and the uncertainties regarding the rehabilitation of the elderly woman left more than one question open about her post-operative course.
The intervention
Instead, in addition to the success from a surgical point of view, the rehabilitation protocol started immediately without any critical issues and the lady left the doctors and her family with more than encouraging signs. She was put back on her feet and began walking. For the centenarian, after resigning from the department, the recovery process will continue at home. The hospital staff will decide, in consultation with the physiatrist, the procedure to be carried out to bring the elderly woman back to satisfactory functionality of the leg.
Director Lamponi’s team received thanks from the patient’s family and those from the Ast management «for the commendable medical approach and for the care with which all patients are treated, starting from those with particular fragilities also dictated, as in this case, by age.” A rare, but not unique, case, that of the Fermo granny. Recently, even in other hospitals in the Marche, centenarians of extraordinary character have experienced the same outcome. In April, a 103-year-old woman was put back on her feet at the San Salvatore hospital in Pesaro. The same fate happened a few months ago, in Ancona, to an elderly woman aged 102. Due to a fall, she too had broken a femur, causing people to fear the worst, but both the operation and the rehabilitation had been carried out correctly.
Guest 2: Additionally, we monitored her progress closely and made adjustments to the rehabilitation plan as necessary. This flexibility allowed us to address any discomfort or fatigue she experienced, ensuring that her recovery was as smooth as possible.
Section 1: The Centenarian’s Surgery and Recovery
Interviewer: It’s truly amazing to hear about this 101-year-old woman’s successful surgery and quick recovery from her fractured femur. Can you tell us more about the surgical intervention and how the medical team ensured her safety throughout the process?
Guest 1: Yes, of course. The surgery was performed by our skilled orthopedic team led by Dr. Federico Lamponi at the Murri hospital in Fermo. We had to take extra precautions due to her advanced age, but fortunately, there were no complications during the procedure. We believe our experience and expertise in handling similar cases played a crucial role in ensuring her safety.
Guest 2: Absolutely! We can’t underestimate the importance of having a well-prepared medical team available for such delicate situations. I believe communication with the family was also vital in putting everyone’s mind at ease throughout the process.
Interviewer: Could you elaborate on the rehabilitation protocol followed after the surgery? How did the medical team ensure the centenarian’s mobility and comfort during this critical period?
Guest 1: The rehabilitation process commenced immediately following the surgery and was closely monitored by the orthopedic team. We started with simple exercises to increase blood flow and prevent any potential complications. It’s important to note that early mobility plays a crucial role in post-op outcomes for elderly patients. Our goal was to gradually help her regain strength and confidence in her mobility.
Guest 2: That’s right. The key is to make the patient feel safe and supported throughout the rehabilitation process. In this case, we ensured that our approach was gentle but effective. We also involved the patient’s family in the rehabilitation process, which helped boost her morale and motivation.
Section 2: Age and Rehabilitation Challenges
Interviewer: Age can often pose unique challenges during rehabilitation. How did the medical team adapt their approach to cater to her specific needs as a 101-year-old patient?
Guest 1: Age is certainly
