Years of Struggle with a “Snake-Spine”
For five years, 15-year-old Aditi (name changed) from Ichalkaranji endured a severely curved spine, so distorted that doctors compared it to a “snake-spine.” Initially deemed too risky for surgery, her family turned to homeopathy. However, after three years, they realized it was ineffective.
Searching for a Lifeline
Determined to find a solution, Aditi’s family scoured the internet and discovered advanced treatment options at Mumbai’s Jaslok Hospital. However, the cost was beyond their reach. Thankfully, with assistance from their local MLA and government schemes, they managed to secure the necessary funds.
A Rare and Complex Diagnosis
At Jaslok Hospital, doctors diagnosed Aditi with kyphoscoliosis, a severe spinal deformity causing both bending and twisting. They also found that she had Neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1), a genetic disorder that leads to skin spots and small tumors along the spine. Her spinal curvature had reached a staggering 120 degrees. Complicating matters further, Aditi had a rare congenital defect—a fused lamina, where two vertebrae were stuck together since birth.
An Unprecedented Case
As reported by timesofindia, Dr. Manish Kothari, a spine surgeon at Jaslok, spent two weeks researching medical literature but found no similar cases. Even experts at AIIMS Delhi had never encountered NF1 combined with a congenital spinal defect. “This is the first documented instance of NF1 with an additional birth defect,” Dr. Kothari stated.
Aditi’s condition had been detected just before the COVID-19 pandemic, but lockdowns delayed treatment, allowing the curvature to worsen. By the time she revisited doctors, specialists warned that surgery carried over a 50% risk of permanent paralysis. However, Dr. Kothari emphasized that without intervention, the increasing spinal curvature would inevitably lead to paraplegia.
A High-Risk, Life-Changing Surgery
During the complex procedure, surgeons carefully broke Aditi’s spine into two sections and removed an entire vertebra. They then reconstructed her spine using titanium screws and rods. This reduced her curvature to 60 degrees, though she may need another operation depending on how her spine heals.
A Painful Lesson on Delayed Treatment
Aditi was discharged on Thursday. Reflecting on the years lost to alternative treatments, her mother, Renuka, expressed deep regret. “We saw our daughter in pain for years—pain that could have been avoided had we sought medical treatment sooner. People must understand that homeopathy is not for serious illnesses.”
Aditi’s case highlights the importance of early medical intervention and the risks of delaying treatment for severe conditions.