Press Release

94-Year-Old Man Suffers Multiple Strokes and Thigh Bone Fracture After Fall; Walks Again After Complex Surgery at Fortis Shalimar Bagh

Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh, New Delhi Aug 05, 2025

Patient suffered from several co-morbidities and was on ventilator support

New Delhi, 05th August 2025: In an extraordinary demonstration of a multi-disciplinary medical
approach, Doctors at Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh successfully treated a 94-year-old man who had
suffered multiple strokes and complex fracture in his right thigh bone post a fall at home. The patient
had presented in the hospital’s emergency in a semi-conscious state, due to worsening of his chronic
lung disease and acute stroke post the fall at home. Despite the high-risks involved, a team of
specialists - led by Dr. Sonal Gupta, Senior Director & HOD – Neuro and Spine Surgery, and Dr.
Puneet Mishra, Director & Unit Head – Orthopaedics along with the Pulmonology, Anaesthesia and
Critical Care teams carefully evaluated the risks, counselled the family and developed a safe and
effective surgical plan.

The complex femur surgery was completed in just 45 minutes thanks to the team’s coordinated
efforts and the patient was discharged in a stable condition within 11 days - successfully regaining his
mobility.
Post the fall, the patient was immediately rushed to Fortis Shalimar Bagh. Upon admission at Fortis
Shalimar Bagh, the patient was unconscious due to acute multiple strokes and dangerously elevated
carbon dioxide levels, a consequence of his pre-existing advanced Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary
Disease (COPD). He was immediately placed on ventilator support in the emergency room.
An X-ray of the right thigh revealed a fracture in his right thigh bone. Additionally, the patient
exhibited mild weakness on the left side of his body, prompting an MRI of the brain, which confirmed
multiple acute strokes. The patient remained on ventilator support for approximately five days - two
days prior to surgery and three days post-operation, until his respiratory condition stabilized enough
for gradual weaning.

While still on ventilator support, the patient underwent surgery to operate the fractured femur. The
procedure involved soft tissue repair, flap closure and the placement of a metal implant to stabilize
the bone. Remarkably, the patient was weaned off the ventilator within three days post-surgery,
shifted to the ward by the fifth day and by the end of the week, began walking with the help of a
walker.

Dr Sonal Gupta, Senior Director & HOD - Neuro and Spine Surgery said, “The patient had a history of
fall at home, but a CT scan done immediately could not explain left side weakness of limbs, so a MRI
scan was performed. This showed multiple acute stroke, which was first treated before the surgery of
his bone fracture. Once his stroke condition stabilized, the patient was then operated for fracture of
his right thigh bone.”

Giving details of the case, Dr Puneet Mishra, Director & Unit Head - Orthopedics at Fortis Hospital,
Shalimar Bagh said, “With vigilant peri-operative support from our critical care team, the patient
once again regained mobility. This is not merely a story of survival — it's about reclaiming
independence at an age where many would have surrendered or not healed. The case underscores
the transformative power of coordinated care, the expertise of our clinical teams and the resilience of
the human spirit. Without timely surgical intervention, the patient would have faced a cascade of
complications ranging from pressure sores and blood clots to chronic pain. But with courage,
collaboration and clinical excellence, he walked out of the hospital not just treated — but
triumphant!”

Mahipal Singh Bhanot, Business Head, Fortis Hospital Shalimar Bagh said, “This case highlights
Fortis Shalimar Bagh’s clinical expertise and the hospital’s ability to respond swiftly to complex
medical emergencies. Such surgeries normally take this much time. It is more about multiple
comorbidities in a 94-year-old patient and still being able to give outcome due to multidisciplinary
approach. This case is a testament to our advanced medical infrastructure, the skill of our specialists,
and the strength of our emergency response protocols. We remain committed to delivering worldclass care with precision, speed, and compassion.”