Unique Skull Base - Spine Fixation Surgery Performed on 48-year-old Woman at Gleneagles Hospital Chennai

Chennai: A 48-year-old woman from Chennai had become nearly paralyzed after a seemingly trivial fall at her home and was referred to Gleneagles Hospital Chennai after visits to many hospitals in Chennai. 

The patient was bedridden with significant weakness in all limbs. Upon examination, her imaging studies revealed a complex anomaly at the craniovertebral junction, where the skull meets the spine. This critical region, surrounded by vital nerves and arteries, exhibited severe compression caused by the odontoid bone pressing into the brainstem and spinal card.

The Team of Doctors spearheaded by Dr Nigel Symss, HOD and Senior Consultant-Neurosurgeon, and Dr Phani Kiran S, HOD & Senior Consultant, Spine Surgery, Gleneagles Hospital Chennai upon examination recommended surgery as this was a rare condition that required precise intervention to decompress the spinal cord and restore normal alignment of the affected bones.

Employing an innovative surgical technique known as Distraction, Compression, Extension, and Reduction (DCER), supported by their team meticulously repositioned the displaced bones and achieved remarkable results now the odontoid has returned to its normal anatomical position and the cord has been relieved of compression, the surgery lasted for Six hours.

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“This is a rare and unique surgery where cages were utilized to separate and stabilize the C1 and C2 vertebrae, then pulling the displaced odontoid bone back into its correct position. This challenging procedure demanded not only advanced surgical expertise but also seamless coordination among various teams, including neurosurgery, neuro-anaesthesia, and critical care,” said Dr. Nigel Symss.

Dr Dinesh Nayak, Director, Neurology, Gleneagles Hospital Chennai emphasized how this collaborative approach ensured the patient’s safety and optimal outcome. “The patient is now on a path to recovery, regaining mobility and hope for a better quality of life,” he pointed out.

Dr Phani Kiran S, HOD & Senior Consultant, Spine Surgery, Gleneagles Hospital Chennai, pointed out, “The first problem we saw was there was a defect in the bone formation at the junction of skull and spine from birth itself causing spinal cord compression. This led to severe spinal cord compression, resulting in a paralysis due to a simple fall,”.

“Thanks to the exceptional teamwork and cutting-edge techniques that Gleneagles has to offer, the patient has shown remarkable improvement, regaining movement in her limbs and progressing toward walking independently. We commend Dr Nigel Symss & Dr Phani Kiran S along with their team on the interdisciplinary collaboration that made this life-changing outcome possible,” said, Dr Nageshwar Rao, CEO, Gleneagles Hospital Chennai.

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