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My grandfather fell from the roof. His spine is fractured, and both his arm and leg are also broken. He has stitches near his eye. One of his kidneys has been completely damaged. The doctors said that surgery would be extremely risky because, given his age of 85 years, he might not survive the operation. A doctor in Muzaffarpur has referred him to a hospital in Patna. Do you think he will survive
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Take to a tertiary care centre where ICU’s are available as back up.
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In centres like these, the whole team including physicians, intensivist and orthopaedic surgeon work as team and do the best to your father. And trust their decision finally. Hope for the best.
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Based on what you have described, your grandfather has suffered multiple severe injuries (polytrauma), including a spinal fracture, fractures of the arm and leg, facial injury, and significant kidney damage. This is a life-threatening condition, especially at 85 years of age. Unfortunately, no doctor can accurately predict whether he will survive based only on this information.
The doctors have likely referred him to a higher center because he requires multidisciplinary care involving trauma surgeons, spine surgeons, orthopaedic surgeons, urologists, anesthetists, and intensive care specialists. Although surgery carries a high risk, in some situations it may also be the best or only option to improve survival or prevent further complications.
Next Steps
Please ensure he is transferred to the referred tertiary care hospital without delay. Once he is stabilized, the treating team will assess whether surgery or conservative management is the safest approach. If you would like help understanding his reports or treatment plan, you can book an online consultation with me and share his CT scans, X-rays, and medical records for a detailed explanation.
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Do not delay transfer while seeking multiple opinions. His condition requires urgent management in a well-equipped trauma center with ICU facilities. Stay in close communication with the treating doctors, as his condition and treatment plan may change depending on his response over the next 24–72 hours.
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I understand how frightening this is for your family. I cannot predict survival â no doctor honestly can with such severe injuries, especially at 85 years of age. What I can tell you is: the doctors who said surgery is extremely risky are being honest, not giving up. At 85 with multiple fractures, spine injury, kidney damage, and eye laceration, surgery carries real risks of cardiac complications, anaesthesia complications, and poor healing. However, the decision to refer to Patna is the right one â a higher-centre tertiary hospital with a multidisciplinary team (spine surgeon, orthopaedic, urologist, intensivist) gives the best possible chance. When you reach Patna, ask specifically for an ICU evaluation and a team consultation before any decision is made. The doctors there will assess his vitals, blood work, and organ function and then make the most informed decision. Your job right now is to get him to the best centre as quickly and safely as possible.
Next Steps
Reach the tertiary hospital in Patna as fast as possible with stable transfer. Keep him stabilised (IV fluids, pain management) during transit. Ask for a full team consultation on arrival (ortho + spine + urology + anaesthesia + ICU). Carry all reports, scans, and referral papers. Pray â and trust the specialists. Consult me on Practo for further guidance.
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Yes. We consider such patients as high risk patients
With proper set up and higher centre and team patient can be managed.
Considering his parameters patient can be taken up for surgery.
Next Steps
Shift him to the centre where there are Superspeciality team.
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Dr. Rakesh Kumar
Orthopedic surgeon
6 yrs exp
Coimbatore
High risk and better take him to a trusted hospital with good multidisciplinary trauma service available.
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Dr. Ravikumar Chandulal Makadia
Orthopedic surgeon
7 yrs exp
Ahmedabad
Need physical fitness before operation
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Dr. Rahul Kumar Pandey
Orthopedic surgeon
10 yrs exp
Lucknow
Take him to a good hospital and hope for the best.
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Dr. Naveen Kumar
Orthopedic Surgeon
5 yrs exp
Rewa
Simply saying anything without seeing the patient and examination is not possible.
According to the age of your grandfather and number of injuries you mentioned it is high risk case.
Next Steps
Take you grandfather to well maintained and equipped hospital and consult with the doctor.
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Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.