Girl with Rett Syndrome undergoes scoliosis surgery in a Thanjavur hospital

The scoliosis surgery done on a 12-year-old girl of Thanjavur having Rett Syndrome complication has helped her breath a fresh lease of life.

According to Dr. M. Karthikeyan, Senior Consultant Spine Surgeon, Meenakshi Hospital, Thanjavur, the girl was brought to the hospital a year ago with abnormal spine curve and Rett Syndrome. Careful examination led to the conclusion that scoliosis surgery alone would be the solution for the spinal cord problem of the patient.

Subsequently, surgery was performed on her wherein the surgical team used the advanced technology “Intra Operative Neuro Monitoring” (IONM) that helped track the condition of the spinal cord and nerves in real time during the intervention, making the procedure safe and more precise. Stating that the physiotherapy team played a crucial role in helping the girl regain strength and mobility, Dr. Karthikeyan said with sustained assistance of the medical and paramedical teams post surgery, the patient was doing well now.

Commending the surgery team, S. Gurushankar, Chairman of Meenakshi Hospital, Thanjavur, said that scoliosis was not uncommon, but it was often neglected in rural areas because of lack of awareness and screening programmes. Many mild cases go unnoticed. If detected early, surgery could often be avoided with the use of braces or supportive belts, he said.