A 65-year-old man from Neral regained his ability to walk after undergoing complex spine surgery at KIMS Hospitals, Thane. His case clearly demonstrates how untreated spinal tuberculosis (TB) can progress silently and lead to severe disability when diagnosis and treatment are delayed.
For nearly a year, the patient experienced persistent back pain that gradually worsened. Over time, his spine began bending forward, resulting in a visible deformity. In addition, he developed loss of appetite, significant weight loss, and increasing difficulty in sitting or standing for prolonged periods.
Gradual Loss of Mobility and Quality of Life
As the condition progressed, walking became extremely painful and difficult. During the last six months before treatment, the patient could no longer get out of bed without assistance. Despite consulting multiple doctors and relying on pain medications, his symptoms continued to worsen, severely affecting his daily activities and independence.
Detailed Evaluation Reveals Spinal Tuberculosis
When the patient presented at KIMS Hospitals, Thane, Dr. Amogh Zawar, Consultant Spine Surgeon, carried out a comprehensive clinical evaluation. Imaging studies revealed a severely bent spine, destruction of one vertebral bone, and a suspicious collection close to the spinal cord.
Subsequent MRI and CT scans strongly indicated spinal tuberculosis, a serious form of TB that affects the vertebrae rather than the lungs. Since the disease had advanced significantly, the medical team recommended urgent corrective surgery to stabilize the spine and prevent the risk of paralysis.
Complex Surgery with Advanced Neuromonitoring
Dr. Zawar and his surgical team planned a complex spinal reconstruction procedure. The surgery involved correcting the spinal deformity, removing infected tissue, and stabilizing the spine using implants. However, such advanced cases carry a high risk of nerve injury during surgery.
To reduce this risk, the team used intraoperative neuromonitoring, a technique that continuously tracks nerve signals from the lower limbs throughout the procedure. This technology allows surgeons to respond immediately to any change in nerve activity, significantly lowering the chances of permanent neurological damage.
Tissue samples collected during surgery later confirmed tuberculosis. Following this, doctors started the patient on a full course of anti-tuberculosis medication, which typically continues for nine to twelve months.
Rapid Recovery and Return to Independence
As per the press release, the patient showed remarkable recovery after surgery. He stood and walked with support the very next day and was discharged on the fourth postoperative day. Follow-up X-rays demonstrated good spinal alignment, healing, and implant stability.
Within three months, he returned to work and now travels independently by local train from Neral to Vangani—an activity that had been impossible for him before treatment.
Expert Emphasises Early Diagnosis
Dr. Amogh Zawar highlighted the importance of early detection, stating that spinal tuberculosis often advances silently, leading patients to ignore early warning signs. He stressed that people should never dismiss persistent back pain, especially when it occurs with weight loss, loss of appetite, or difficulty walking.
He further added that TB does not affect only the lungs. Spinal TB remains fairly common in India, and with timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment, patients can regain mobility and return to active, independent lives.
Key Takeaway for the Public
This case serves as a strong reminder that chronic back pain should not be overlooked, particularly when associated with general symptoms of ill health. Early medical evaluation and timely intervention can detect spinal tuberculosis before irreversible damage occurs and can significantly improve patient outcomes.