A 60-year-old woman has regained mobility after undergoing advanced spine surgery at Apex Hospital in Borivali. For nearly three years, she experienced worsening gait instability, poor balance, and weakness in her hands, making everyday activities increasingly difficult.
Following a detailed clinical evaluation and MRI, doctors diagnosed her with Ossified Posterior Longitudinal Ligament (OPLL), a condition in which the spinal ligament gradually turns into bone. This narrows the spinal canal, compresses the spinal cord, and causes progressive neurological deficits.
Complex Surgery Restored Stability
The surgical team, led by Dr. Umang Sheth, Spine Surgeon at Apex Hospital, part of the Apex Group of Hospitals, performed a multilevel cervical laminectomy with lateral mass screw fixation. Dr. Bhushan Hadole assisted during the procedure, while Dr. Ria Shah administered anaesthesia.
The surgery successfully relieved pressure on the spinal cord and stabilised the cervical spine. The patient is now recovering well and continues to regain her balance and hand function through rehabilitation.
Early Intervention Improves Outcomes
As per the hospital’s press release, timely diagnosis and surgical intervention played a crucial role in preventing further neurological damage and improving the patient’s recovery.
“OPLL is an uncommon but potentially disabling condition. Delayed diagnosis can result in irreversible spinal cord damage. Timely surgical decompression helps arrest neurological deterioration and offers patients the best chance of recovery,” said Dr. Umang Sheth.
He added, “The goal of surgery is not only to decompress the spinal cord but also to restore spinal stability. Early intervention, combined with structured rehabilitation, significantly improves long-term functional outcomes.”
Recognising the Warning Signs
According to spine specialists, degenerative cervical spine disorders are becoming more common due to ageing, lifestyle changes, and better diagnostic awareness. Therefore, people should not ignore persistent neck pain accompanied by imbalance, hand clumsiness, numbness, or weakness, as these symptoms may indicate spinal cord compression and require prompt specialist evaluation.
With advanced surgical expertise, modern spinal instrumentation, and comprehensive rehabilitation services, Apex Hospital continues to treat complex spine disorders, helping patients regain mobility, independence, and a better quality of life.