Patient’s Long Medical Struggle
Doctors at KIMS Hospital, Kurnool, successfully corrected a severe S-shaped spinal deformity in an 18-year-old girl through a highly complex spinal surgery involving the placement of 30 specialised screws. The patient, a resident of Vamasamudram village in Kurnool district, had suffered for several years from persistent headaches, abnormal gait, and progressive spinal curvature.
Earlier, her family—belonging to an economically weaker background—had sought treatment at a private hospital, where she underwent surgery in 2019 for Arnold–Chiari malformation, a congenital brain condition. Although the procedure relieved her headaches, the spinal deformity continued to worsen over time, eventually leading to a pronounced hunchback posture.
Referral to KIMS for High-Risk Surgery
As the condition progressed and the risks increased, doctors referred the patient to KIMS Hospital, Kurnool, given the complexity of corrective spinal surgery and the potential for permanent neurological damage.
As per the press release, following a detailed clinical and radiological evaluation, a multidisciplinary team led by consultant spine surgeon Dr. Shaik Mannan and Chief Consultant and Head of the Orthopaedics Department Dr. Kiran Kumar decided to proceed with surgery under continuous intra-operative neuromonitoring to ensure neurological safety.
Complex Surgery with Significant Correction
Explaining the procedure, Dr. Mannan said the patient had a spinal curvature of nearly 50 degrees extending from the D2 to L4 vertebrae. Despite the high surgical risk, the team achieved nearly 90–95% correction by placing 30 specialised spinal screws. As a result, the spinal alignment was restored close to normal.
Moreover, the earlier shoulder imbalance resolved completely, both shoulders aligned at the same level, and the prominent bony hump on the back reduced significantly.
Rapid Recovery and Multidisciplinary Support
Notably, the patient was able to walk independently from the first day after surgery, and her vital functions stabilised soon thereafter. The anaesthesia team, comprising Dr. Bhuvana and Dr. Shruthi, along with critical care specialist Dr. Rajesh Reddy, played a crucial role in the successful outcome.
A Milestone for the Rayalaseema Region
Highlighting the significance of the achievement, Orthopaedic HOD Dr. Kiran Kumar said the procedure ranked among the most complex spinal surgeries performed in the Rayalaseema region. He also described it as the first successful neuromuscular scoliosis correction of its kind in the area, underscoring the hospital’s growing expertise in advanced spine care.
Treatment Made Accessible Through Arogyasri
Meanwhile, KIMS Kurnool Regional COO Siddareddy stated that the entire cost of the surgery was covered under the Arogyasri scheme, making the treatment completely free for the patient. He added that KIMS Hospital has performed more than 100 highly complex spinal surgeries in the Rayalaseema region, calling it a matter of pride for the institution.