A 48-year-old woman from Chennai experienced near paralysis following a seemingly minor fall at home. After consultations at multiple hospitals in the city, she was referred to Gleneagles Global Health City, Chennai, for advanced care.
The patient was bedridden, suffering from significant weakness in all her limbs. Detailed imaging revealed a complex anomaly at the craniovertebral junction, where the skull meets the spine. This critical area, surrounded by vital nerves and arteries, showed severe compression of the spinal cord due to the odontoid bone pressing against the brainstem and spinal cord.
A multidisciplinary team led by Dr. Nigel Symss, HOD and Senior Consultant Neurosurgeon, and Dr. Phani Kiran S, HOD and Senior Consultant Spine Surgeon, recommended surgical intervention. This rare condition required a highly specialized procedure to decompress the spinal cord and realign the affected bones.
As reported by medicaldialogues, the team employed an advanced technique known as Distraction, Compression, Extension, and Reduction (DCER). Over a six-hour surgery, they successfully repositioned the displaced bones and stabilized the craniovertebral junction. Using innovative methods, including the placement of cages to separate and secure the C1 and C2 vertebrae, they returned the odontoid bone to its correct anatomical position, effectively relieving the compression.
“This surgery was exceptionally rare and challenging,” said Dr. Nigel Symss. “The procedure required not only advanced surgical expertise but also seamless coordination among neurosurgery, neuro-anaesthesia, and critical care teams to achieve this outstanding outcome.”
Dr. Dinesh Nayak, Director of Neurology at Gleneagles Global Health City, highlighted the importance of the collaborative approach in ensuring the patient’s safety and recovery. “The patient is now on the road to recovery, regaining mobility and renewed hope for an improved quality of life,” he shared.
Dr. Phani Kiran S elaborated, “The root cause was a congenital defect at the junction of the skull and spine, which caused severe spinal cord compression. Even a minor fall triggered her paralysis. The successful outcome of this case reflects the cutting-edge techniques and teamwork at Gleneagles.”
Dr. Nageshwar Rao, CEO of Gleneagles Global Health City, commended the efforts of the medical team. “Thanks to the exceptional expertise and interdisciplinary collaboration led by Dr. Nigel Symss and Dr. Phani Kiran S, the patient has shown remarkable improvement. She is regaining limb movement and is on the path to walking independently. This is a testament to the life-changing care we strive to deliver.”