Teen treated for rare and complex spinal condition | Mangaluru News
Mangaluru: A 13-year-old girl was successfully treated for a rare and complex spinal condition at the AJ Institute of Medical Sciences.The girl was diagnosed with Klippel-Feil Syndrome (KFS), a rare condition in which the bones in the neck are fused. This led to a short, webbed neck, limited neck movement, uneven shoulders, and a scoliotic spine. Her physical growth was also affected, and she lived with visible deformities for years.After detailed tests and investigations, the team of orthopaedic surgeons, led by Dr Sudeep Shetty and Dr Dheeraj Kumar, and paediatric specialists at the hospital discovered multiple abnormalities—fusion of the neck bones, an abnormal bone in the lower spine (hemivertebra), and a severely curved spine (scoliosis). Systemic conditions such as hypertension were also noted. She was diagnosed with type III Klippel-Feil Syndrome (KFS), the most severe form, often associated with other hidden health risks.In a single planned surgery, a multidisciplinary team comprising ortho spine surgeons Dr Dheeraj Kumar, Dr Hashir Safwan, Dr Pawan, and anaesthetists Dr TV Tantry, Dr Preetham, and Dr Nitu Renny performed spinal correction from the upper to lower back, removed the abnormal bone, and corrected her shoulder deformity. The surgery, which lasted for six to seven hours, was carried out under continuous neuromonitoring to ensure spinal cord safety.The child recovered without any complications and has already started her activities of daily living. Her journey from deformity to recovery stands as a testament to her courage and the medical team’s expertise, said Dr Prashanth Marla, medical director at the hospital.
