Successful Treatment of Severe Spinal Cord Injury at Kauvery Hospital Vadapalani

Chennai, 14th November 2024:  Kauvery Hospital Vadapalani is thrilled to announce an outstanding achievement in spinal care, highlighted by the successful treatment of a 26-year-old male patient who suffered a double crush complete spinal cord injury due to a severe road traffic accident. This case, managed by Dr. Dilip Chand Raja, Senior Consultant Orthopedic and Spine Surgeon, highlights the hospital’s innovative treatment and timely intervention in life-threatening scenarios.

The patient, a bachelor, was involved in a catastrophic accident while riding his two-wheeler, which resulted in a dislocation of the spine at the T12-L1 levels and osteoligamentous disruption at the L3-L4 level. Upon arrival at Kauvery Hospital, he exhibited a complete loss of sensation below the abdomen and both lower limbs, indicating a severe spinal cord injury with a recovery prognosis of less than five percentage. The complexity is compounded by the presence of dislocation and injuries at multiple spinal levels, which diminishes the chances of recovery to almost nil.

Understanding the critical nature of the situation, the team acted with urgency. The extent of the spinal injury was revealed by an MRI, leading to immediate surgical intervention. The surgical team began a complicated procedure that lasted four to five hours within an hour of the patient’s arrival.

Recovery rates are alarmingly low in cases of complete spinal cord injury, particularly when multiple levels are involved. Kauvery Hospital has a strong belief in maximizing every chance for recovery. It was important to align the spine carefully without causing any additional damage.

A precise realignment of the spinal column and adequate decompression of the spinal cord were the prerequisites for the surgery. Dr. Dilip Chand Raja emphasized the importance of acting swiftly, saying, ‘We must act decisively, even when faced with grim odds..  Our objective was to provide this patient with the maximum chance of recovery, regardless of the prognosis.

Even though there were challenges, the patient started to show signs of improvement around two and a half months’ post-surgery and eventually regained mobility with the help. Hope was a result of every recovery milestone. The patient’s start to regain movement suggested that there could be more recovery. Rehabilitation and physiotherapy were emphasized by the team, which played a vital role in his ongoing recovery.

Dr. Aravindan Selvaraj, Co-Founder & Executive Director of Kauvery Hospital remarked, “This case exemplifies the exceptional skill, dedication, and teamwork of our medical staff. We are proud to provide advanced healthcare solutions and hope to our patients, even in the most daunting circumstances. Timely intervention can lead to miraculous recoveries, and we are committed to supporting our community with the highest quality of care.”

The patient is actively moving with support and making progress today, almost ten months after the accident. His journey highlights the importance of swift medical action, expert surgical techniques, and the potential for recovery even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. Kauvery Hospital Vadapalani is a leader in spinal care and combines cutting-edge medical technology with compassionate patient care.

Kauvery Hospital