Hip Fracture Surgery in Pune : Expert Hip Surgeon Dr Sunny Dole

Dr. Sunny Dole, an experienced orthopedic surgeon in Pune, specializes in managing Hip fractures, including Femoral Neck Fractures, Intertrochanteric Fractures, Pelvic Fractures and Subtrochanteric fractures. He offers advanced surgical solutions such as dynamic hip screw (DHS) fixation, Proximal Femoral Nailing (PFN), and Hemiarthroplasty, tailored to the patient’s age, bone quality, and overall health. With a focus on early mobilization and complete functional recovery, Dr. Sunny Dole provides expert care for hip fractures at multiple hospitals and clinics across Pune.

Did you know?

A hip fracture occurs every 3 seconds worldwide, and timely surgery can reduce complications by up to 50%!

The hip joint is a strong ball-and-socket joint where the femoral head (thigh bone) fits into the acetabulum of the pelvis, enabling stable movement and weight-bearing. Hip fractures typically involve the upper part of the femur and are classified into femoral neck fractures, intertrochanteric fractures, and subtrochanteric fractures. These injuries are especially common in older adults due to falls and osteoporosis and can lead to serious complications such as prolonged immobility, blood clots, infections, and even increased mortality if not treated promptly. Dr. Sunny Dole brings extensive experience in managing complex hip fractures, having successfully operated on over 1,000 hip fracture cases at a high-volume trauma care center in Jhansi, making him a trusted expert in hip trauma care across Pune.

A stress fracture of the hip is a small crack or severe bruising within the upper part of the femur (thigh bone), typically occurring due to repetitive stress or overuse rather than a single traumatic event. Unlike acute fractures from falls or accidents, stress fractures develop gradually over time, especially in athletes, military recruits, or individuals with weakened bones due to conditions like osteoporosis.

The most common location for hip stress fractures is the femoral neck, which connects the shaft of the femur to the head of the bone inside the hip joint.

What is Stress Fracture of Hip?

Hip Fractures in Elderly vs Young Population, What is the difference in Surgical Treatment?

Hip fractures are serious orthopedic injuries affecting both elderly and younger patients, but their causes, types, treatment strategies, and outcomes differ significantly across age groups. Timely diagnosis and individualized treatment are crucial to prevent long-term disability and improve quality of life. Dr. Sunny Dole, an experienced orthopedic trauma surgeon in Pune, specializes in treating hip fractures in all age groups with tailored surgical and rehabilitative care.

Causes and Nature of Hip Fractures

In Elderly Patients:

Most hip fractures in the elderly occur due to low-energy falls, often from standing height.
Common contributing factors include osteoporosis, balance issues, poor vision, and muscle weakness.
Typical fracture patterns: femoral neck fractures, intertrochanteric fractures.
Bone quality is often poor, affecting fixation stability.

In Young Adults:

Hip fractures in young patients usually result from high-energy trauma such as road traffic accidents, sports injuries, or industrial mishaps.
The bone quality is generally good, but injuries are often complex, displaced, or associated with polytrauma.
Fractures may involve dislocations, femoral head fractures, or acetabular fractures in addition to femoral neck injuries.

Treatment Differences in Young and Elderly Patients

Elderly Patients:

Goal: Early mobilization to reduce morbidity and mortality.

Surgical Treatment:
- Hemiarthroplasty or total hip replacement for displaced femoral neck fractures.
- Proximal femoral nailing (PFN) or dynamic hip screw (DHS) for intertrochanteric fractures.
Non-Surgical Treatment:
- Considered only if the patient is non-ambulatory or medically unfit for surgery.
Postoperative Care:
- Emphasis on physiotherapy, osteoporosis management, fall prevention, and nutritional support.

Young Adults:

Goal: Preserve native hip joint and ensure anatomical alignment for long-term joint function.

Surgical Treatment:
- Cannulated screw fixation or Femoral Neck System (FNS) for femoral neck fractures.
- Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with locking plates or PFN for intertrochanteric/subtrochanteric fractures.
- Hip joint preservation techniques are preferred over replacement.
Postoperative Care:
- Aggressive rehabilitation, monitoring for complications like avascular necrosis (AVN) or nonunion.

Proximal Femoral Nail : The Game Changer in Proximal Femoral Fractures

The Proximal Femoral Nail (PFN) has revolutionized the surgical treatment of proximal femoral fractures such as intertrochanteric and subtrochanteric fractures, particularly in elderly patients with osteoporotic bones. Its intramedullary design provides superior biomechanical stability, allowing for early mobilization and a lower risk of implant failure compared to conventional plating techniques.

PFN requires a minimally invasive approach, which means less blood loss, reduced soft tissue damage, and shorter operative times. The load-sharing mechanism of the nail aligns with the natural biomechanics of the femur, making it ideal for both stable and unstable fracture patterns.

Dr. Sunny Dole, with his deep understanding of trauma biomechanics and surgical principles, is one of the few orthopedic surgeons in Pune highly skilled in the precise execution of PFN procedures. His experience ensures accurate implant placement and excellent functional outcomes, even in complex fracture cases.

Complications After Hip Fracture Surgery : Why you need Expert Surgeons to Minimize Complications

While modern surgical techniques and early mobilization have improved outcomes, hip fractures can still lead to several complications if not treated promptly or properly:

Avascular Necrosis (AVN): Loss of blood supply to the femoral head, particularly in femoral neck fractures, can cause bone death and collapse of the hip joint.
Non-Union: Failure of the fracture to heal can result in persistent pain and limited function, often requiring revision surgery.
Infection: Postoperative wound or deep infections may occur, especially in elderly or immunocompromised patients, and may necessitate prolonged antibiotics or surgical debridement.
Reoperation: Poor implant placement, fracture displacement, or hardware failure may lead to the need for corrective or revision surgery.

Dr. Sunny Dole focuses on meticulous surgical technique, careful patient selection, and personalized postoperative care to minimize these complications and ensure long-term mobility and quality of life.

Femoral Neck System (FNS) : Recent Advance in Neck of Femur Fracture

The Femoral Neck System (FNS) is a modern, minimally invasive implant designed specifically for fixation of femoral neck fractures, especially in younger and active patients where preservation of the native hip joint is preferred. It offers a biomechanically superior alternative to conventional screw fixation or dynamic hip screws (DHS) in certain fracture patterns.

Key Advantages of the FNS:

Stable Angular Fixation: The FNS provides angular stability with a locking screw-plate design, which helps resist shear forces in vertical or displaced fractures.
Minimally Invasive Approach: Requires a smaller incision, leading to less soft tissue damage, reduced blood loss, and faster postoperative recovery.
Improved Biomechanics: The short construct and central positioning of the implant help maintain anatomical alignment, minimize femoral neck shortening, and promote bone healing.
Lower Risk of Implant Failure: Compared to traditional methods, the FNS has demonstrated reduced rates of cut-out and reoperation in certain fracture types.

Dr. Sunny Dole’s Expertise with FNS:

Dr. Sunny Dole is skilled in using advanced fixation systems like the Femoral Neck System for young and middle-aged patients with high-demand lifestyles. His technical proficiency and clinical judgment allow for optimal patient selection and precise surgical execution, helping preserve the natural hip joint and reduce long-term complications.

Osteoporosis is a medical condition characterized by reduced bone mineral density and deterioration of bone tissue, leading to fragile bones that are highly prone to fractures. It plays a critical role in the occurrence of hip fractures, especially among the elderly population.

In osteoporotic individuals, even a minor fall or a low-energy impact—like tripping or getting up awkwardly from a chair—can result in a fracture of the hip, particularly in the femoral neck or intertrochanteric region. These fractures can be life-altering, often leading to loss of independence, long-term disability, and even increased mortality if not managed properly.

Hip fractures related to osteoporosis are more common in postmenopausal women and elderly men, due to hormonal changes, nutritional deficiencies, sedentary lifestyle, or pre-existing conditions. Early diagnosis and management of osteoporosis with calcium, vitamin D, and medications like bisphosphonates can significantly reduce the risk of fractures.

Dr. Sunny Dole emphasizes a dual approach in such cases: surgical treatment of the fracture and medical management of osteoporosis. This comprehensive care helps prevent future fractures and improves long-term bone health and mobility.

Osteoporosis and Its Role in Hip Fractures

Physiotherapy and Recovery Timelines After Hip Fracture

Physiotherapy plays a vital role in the recovery process following a hip fracture. Early mobilization, guided exercises, and progressive weight-bearing are essential to regain strength, balance, and function—especially in elderly patients. Without structured rehabilitation, patients are at risk for complications such as muscle weakness, joint stiffness, blood clots, and delayed return to normal activities.

🔹 Early Phase (0–2 weeks post-surgery)

Pain control, wound care, and breathing exercises
Assisted movements in bed, ankle pumps, and isometric exercises
Initiation of walking with walker or crutches under supervision

🔹 Intermediate Phase (2–6 weeks)

Gradual weight-bearing depending on the type of surgery (e.g., PFN, hemiarthroplasty)
Range-of-motion exercises for the hip and knee
Gait training, balance drills, and core strengthening

🔹 Advanced Phase (6–12 weeks)

Progression to full weight-bearing
Muscle strengthening using resistance bands or light weights
Functional training such as climbing stairs and sit-to-stand transitions

🔹 Long-Term Recovery (3–6 months and beyond)

Return to independent daily activities
Advanced balance and coordination exercises
Continued focus on bone health and fall prevention

Dr. Sunny Dole, in coordination with trained physiotherapists in Pune, ensures each patient receives a personalized rehabilitation plan based on age, surgery type, and overall health status—leading to faster recovery, better mobility, and reduced risk of re-injury.

Preventing Hip Fractures: Fall & Bone Health Tips

Hip fractures are often preventable, especially when proactive steps are taken to maintain bone health and reduce fall risks—two of the most critical factors in fracture prevention, particularly among the elderly.

🦴 Strengthen Your Bones

Ensure adequate calcium and vitamin D intake through diet or supplements.
Regular weight-bearing exercises like walking, light jogging, and resistance training help build bone density.
Quit smoking and limit alcohol—both weaken bone structure.
Get screened for osteoporosis, especially for women over 50 and men over 70.

🚶 Prevent Falls at Home and Outdoors

Install grab bars in bathrooms and stair railings for support.
Remove tripping hazards like loose rugs, clutter, or uneven flooring.
Ensure good lighting in hallways, bedrooms, and bathrooms.
Use non-slip mats in the kitchen and bathroom.
Wear supportive footwear with good grip—avoid slippers or worn-out soles.
Have regular eye checkups and hearing assessments.

Dr. Sunny Dole emphasizes that prevention is just as important as treatment. His approach includes not only managing fractures but also helping patients and families understand how to avoid them through education, bone health assessments, and fall-risk evaluations.

Frequently Asked Questions about Hip Fractures

1. What is a hip fracture?

A hip fracture is a break in the upper part of the femur (thighbone), often involving the femoral neck or intertrochanteric region. It usually results from a fall or trauma, especially in elderly patients with weak bones.

2. When is surgery needed for a hip fracture?
In most cases, especially in displaced fractures, surgery is recommended as early as possible to stabilize the bone, reduce pain, and restore mobility. Delaying surgery can increase the risk of complications like infections, clots, or prolonged immobility.

3. What types of surgeries are available for hip fractures?
Treatment depends on the type and location of the fracture:

Proximal Femoral Nail (PFN) for intertrochanteric fractures
Femoral Neck System (FNS) or cannulated screws for femoral neck fractures
Hemiarthroplasty or Total Hip Replacement in elderly or displaced fractures

4. How long does recovery take after hip fracture surgery?
Initial mobilization typically begins within 1–2 days post-surgery. Full recovery can take 6–12 weeks, depending on age, fracture type, and overall health. Physiotherapy is key to regaining strength and balance.

5. Will I be able to walk again after surgery?
Yes, most patients regain their ability to walk, often with the help of a walker or cane initially. Early rehabilitation and adherence to physiotherapy greatly improve outcomes.

6. Are there any risks or complications from hip fracture surgery?
Like any surgery, there are risks including infection, blood clots, implant failure, or delayed healing. However, with expert surgical care and postoperative protocols, these risks are minimized.

7. Why choose Dr. Sunny Dole for hip fracture treatment in Pune?
Dr. Sunny Dole has extensive experience in managing over 1,000 hip fractures in high-volume trauma centers. His expertise in modern surgical techniques like PFN and FNS, combined with personalized rehabilitation plans, ensures excellent recovery and mobility for patients.

8. Will I need physiotherapy after surgery?
Absolutely. Physiotherapy helps improve joint mobility, muscle strength, and balance. A customized rehab plan will be provided after surgery.

9. Can hip fractures be prevented?
Yes. Preventing falls, treating osteoporosis, and making lifestyle modifications such as regular exercise and home safety improvements can greatly reduce the risk.

10. Where can I get hip fracture treatment in Pune?
Dr. Sunny Dole offers hip fracture surgery and trauma care at multiple reputed hospitals across Pune including Kothrud, Wakad, Narhe, Bavdhan, and PCMC.

Dr Sunny Dole

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