Virtua Fracture Centers: The best places for bad breaks
Every day, 81-year-old Christopher Timmons looks forward to strolling down his long country driveway to pick up the mail. But his pleasure was cut short not too long ago when Timmons fell and fractured his hip. Luckily, he was rushed to Virtua’s Fracture Center which specializes in treating breaks in those over age 65.
Orthopaedic surgeon Gerald Hayken, MD, director of Virtua’s Fracture Center explains: “People over 65 do best when surgery to repair a hip is performed within 24 hours after an injury – as long as the patient is medically stable.” This is exactly the way Mr. Timmons was treated at Virtua.
Expediting surgery is one of many specialized protocols at Virtua’s Fracture Center, with sites in Mt. Holly and Berlin Hospitals. “Our team of orthopaedic surgeons, internal medicine physicians, and physical and occupational therapists, coordinate care after surgery to ensure that patients are kept alert and moving for improved
outcomes,” adds Dr. Hayken.
“Through all areas of treatment, patients of an advanced age have unique needs” says Greg Busch, DO, medical director at Virtua Berlin and director of Virtua’s Acute Care for the Elderly program (ACE).
“We know that older patients require very specialized care. From a medical perspective, we keep patients clear-headed by avoiding certain medications. We want them to be alert and moving for optimal recovery.”
Timmons was out of bed and on his feet within 24 hours of his surgery and quickly moved to rehabilitation: “I was up and around right away. My physical therapist was there immediately, encouraging me. It was a challenge but it was worth it,” he says.
The goal at Virtua’s Fracture Center is always the same – to do everything possible so the patient has a good outcome and gets back to an independent life.
Mr. Timmons is walking proof of this.