102-Year-Old Patient Walks Again After Hip Surgery at Sunway Medical Centre

05/06/2026

For many families, a fall involving an elderly loved one can be frightening. When the injury turns out to be a hip fracture, the concern becomes even greater, as mobility, independence, and overall health can decline quickly if treatment is delayed.

At Sunway Medical Centre, Sunway City, Kuala Lumpur, a 102-year-old patient affectionately known as “Popo” was able to stand and walk again with support within 48 hours after hip surgery. Her story is not only a remarkable medical case, but also a meaningful reminder of how timely care, careful clinical assessment, multidisciplinary teamwork, and family support can make a difference in elderly care.

An Active 102-Year-Old Before the Fall

Before her injury, Popo was still active, alert, and independent. Despite being 102 years old, she managed her daily activities and remained involved in family life.

Her family described her as mentally sharp and engaged. She was still able to communicate well, help with small tasks in the family business, and remain part of her family’s daily routine. This background became important when the medical team assessed her condition and discussed the best treatment option.

After a fall at home, Popo was brought to the Emergency Department at Sunway Medical Centre. She was diagnosed with a neck of femur fracture, a type of hip fracture that is commonly seen in elderly patients, often due to fragile bones caused by osteoporosis.

For elderly patients, a hip fracture is not a minor injury. When a patient is unable to stand or walk, prolonged bed rest can lead to complications such as pneumonia, pressure sores, muscle weakness, and a rapid decline in overall health.

A Multidisciplinary Approach Through Fracture Liaison Service

Popo’s case was managed through Sunway Medical Centre’s Fracture Liaison Service, a multidisciplinary care model for elderly patients with fractures. This approach brings together orthopaedic surgeons, geriatricians, anaesthetists, rehabilitation specialists, physiotherapists, nurses, and other support teams to assess and manage patients in a coordinated way.

The case was led by Dr Jeffrey Jaya Raj, Consultant Orthopaedic, Hip and Knee Arthroplasty & Trauma Surgeon at Sunway Medical Centre. Together with the wider medical team, Dr Jeffrey assessed Popo’s overall condition, including her heart and lung function, blood pressure, anaesthesia risks, and ability to recover after surgery.

For a patient aged 102, surgery must be considered very carefully. The team had detailed discussions with Popo and her family to explain the condition, possible risks, expected benefits, and treatment options.

After a thorough assessment, the team concluded that surgery offered the best chance of helping Popo regain mobility and reduce the risks associated with prolonged immobility.

Surgery Within 24 Hours

Within 24 hours of admission, Popo underwent bipolar hemiarthroplasty, a partial hip replacement procedure. This surgical option was chosen based on the nature of the fracture and the patient’s age to reduce surgical time and support early mobilisation.

The procedure was performed using regional and spinal anaesthesia, avoiding the need for general anaesthesia. This approach helped reduce certain risks in a very elderly patient while allowing the surgery to proceed safely.

Following the procedure, Popo was monitored overnight in a high dependency ward before being transferred back to a normal ward. With the support of physiotherapists and the rehabilitation team, she was able to stand the next day and begin taking steps using a walking frame.

Within approximately 48 hours after surgery, Popo was walking again with support.

Why Early Intervention Matters in Elderly Hip Fractures

Hip fractures in elderly patients require urgent attention. In suitable cases, early intervention can help reduce the risk of complications and improve the chance of returning to mobility.

When elderly patients remain in bed for too long, they may face risks such as:

• Lung infection due to reduced movement
• Pressure sores from prolonged bed rest
• Muscle weakness and reduced strength
• Slower bowel and body functions
• Loss of independence
• General deterioration in health

This is why timely diagnosis, careful risk assessment, and early mobilisation are important. However, every patient must be assessed individually. Age alone should not be the only deciding factor. The patient’s overall health, previous mobility, medical risks, recovery potential, and family support must all be considered.

The Importance of Family Support

In Popo’s case, family support played a major role in her recovery journey. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were closely involved, providing encouragement and helping her stay motivated.

For elderly patients, emotional support can strongly influence recovery. Familiar faces, reassurance, and encouragement from loved ones can help patients feel more confident during rehabilitation.

Popo’s own determination was also important. She wanted to get up, walk, and return to her daily life with her family.

Sunway Medical Centre’s Commitment to Elderly Orthopaedic Care

Popo’s recovery reflects the importance of integrated care for elderly patients with serious injuries. At Sunway Medical Centre, a hip fracture is not treated as a surgical case alone. It requires timely assessment, coordinated decision-making, risk management, rehabilitation, and post-operative support.

Through collaboration between orthopaedic specialists, geriatricians, anaesthetists, rehabilitation teams, nurses, physiotherapists, and the patient’s family, the goal is to help patients recover safely, reduce complications, and preserve quality of life.

Popo’s story shows that in the right clinical circumstances, advanced age does not automatically remove the possibility of recovery. With timely treatment, careful planning, appropriate surgical care, and strong family support, elderly patients can still regain movement and return to meaningful moments with their loved ones.

Make an Appointment with Sunway Medical Centre

To consult our specialist doctors or learn more about orthopaedic care and international patient services at Sunway Medical Centre, please contact us via WhatsApp at +6019-2009191 or email us at [email protected].