EPISODE 75: After the Fall: Understanding Hip Fractures and Recovery With Dr. Jaimo Ahn
Dr. Jaimo Ahn
On this episode of Bone Talk, BHOF CEO Claire Gill sits down with Dr. Jaimo Ahn, an orthopedic trauma surgeon specializing in hip, pelvic, and complex fracture care, to discuss why hip fractures are far more serious than many people realize—and what patients and families need to know immediately after a fall.
Dr. Ahn explains that hip fractures are rarely “just a broken bone.” Aging naturally weakens bone over time, and subtle changes in balance or walking are often early warning signs that someone is at high risk. A single fall can instantly change a person’s life, and even with successful surgery, nearly half of patients never fully regain their prior level of function. Alarmingly, the risk of death within a year after a hip fracture can be higher than after many heart attacks or cancer diagnoses.
The conversation focuses heavily on what happens in the chaotic hours and days after a fracture. Patients and families are often overwhelmed, meeting dozens of providers and trying to process unfamiliar medical decisions. Dr. Ahn emphasizes the importance of asking questions, engaging nurses, physicians, and discharge planners, and understanding each step of care.
A major theme is early mobility. While it may feel counterintuitive, getting patients up and moving soon after surgery reduces complications like pneumonia, pressure injuries, and cognitive decline—and significantly improves long-term recovery. Dr. Ahn underscores that modern surgical implants are designed to support weight-bearing, and movement is essential for healing.
Key Takeaways
Hip fractures are often life-altering events with long-term functional and mortality risks.
Early movement after surgery is critical to reducing complications and improving recovery.
The period immediately after a fracture can be overwhelming, making questions and care coordination essential.
A hip fracture from a simple fall is a warning sign of underlying bone disease.
The first year after a fracture is a crucial window to prevent future fractures and protect long-term quality of life.
The episode also highlights a critical missed opportunity: bone health and secondary fracture prevention. A hip fracture from a standing-height fall is, by definition, an osteoporotic fracture—regardless of bone density test results. The first year after a fracture is the highest-risk period for another serious break, making this a pivotal time to address osteoporosis, fall risk, nutrition, strength, balance, vision, and medication review.
Dr. Ahn closes with a powerful reminder he gives his own patients: he cares deeply about them—but he doesn’t want them to become “repeat customers.” Recovery is not just about healing a fracture; it’s about protecting independence, quality of life, and the ability to keep doing what matters most.