Complex Acetabular Fracture Treatment in India

Rohan Smith, a 58-year-old construction site...

Rohan Smith, a 58-year-old construction site foreman, prided himself on his physical strength and ability to lead his crew. His life changed when a scaffold collapsed beneath him, causing him to fall 15 feet onto a concrete slab. He was rushed to the ER with excruciating left hip pain and an inability to bear weight. CT scans revealed a complex, displaced acetabular fracture involving both the anterior and posterior columns, a severe injury from the high-impact fall. His orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Evans, explained that due to the fracture's complexity and displacement, non-surgical management would likely lead to severe arthritis and permanent disability. He recommended open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) to precisely reconstruct the hip socket and restore its anatomy. Rohan underwent a 4-hour surgery where Dr. Evans used specialized plates and screws to reassemble the socket. The immediate post-op period was challenging, with significant pain managed by an epidural. For 8 weeks, he was strictly non-weight-bearing, relying on a walker and his wife for everything. Physiotherapy began immediately to maintain muscle tone and joint mobility. Emotionally, Rohan was devastated and anxious, fearing he would never work again and would be a burden to his family. The slow, disciplined recovery was a mental battle. However, at his 6-month follow-up, having gradually progressed to full weight-bearing, his hard work paid off. He regained over 90% of his hip function with minimal pain. While he transitioned to a site supervisor role, avoiding heavy labor, he felt triumphant in his recovery. The emotional journey moved from despair and fear to resilience and profound gratitude for his surgical outcome and regained independence.