The Chaurasias noticed a spinal deformity in their son, the day he was born. But they had no idea of the problems that lay in store for them
The Chaurasias noticed a spinal deformity in their son, the day he was born. But they had no idea of the problems that lay in store for them.
In medical terms, Nishat Kumar, 4, was diagnosed with meningocele (protrusion of membranes covering the spine and parts of the spinal cord through a bone defect in the vertebral column), kyphosis (hunchback) and early onset scoliosis (abnormal vertebral formation where the spine curves from side-to-side).
One in 1,000 people suffers from scoliosis, according to WHO statistics. But one in 100,000 people suffer from complications that Nishat had. Surgery was not just risky; it was expensive for the poor farmer family from Jharkhand because it could cost up to Rs15 lakh.
Having taken Nishat to various hospitals in the country, the Chaurasias came to Hinduja. A team of spinal surgeons, headed by Dr Abhay Nene, tried out a novel technique for the first time, which was not only successful but also reduced the surgery costs to just Rs50,000.
The treatment for spinal deformity involves fusing the spine to prevent further deformity. But this results in stunted growth. “And with a stunted growth of the spine, there is no room for vital organs like the lungs to grow. This affects the patient’s lifespan,” Dr Vishal Kundanani, spinal surgeon at Hinduja, said.
About a year ago, US spinal surgeons came up with a new but expensive procedure where a device known as Vertical Expandable Prosthetic Titanium Rib (VEPTR) is implanted in the body. This helps support the chest, corrects spinal deformity, and prevents fusion of the spine.
“We used the VEPTR principle. But we also implanted instruments that are conventionally used in spinal surgeries and are not too expensive,” Nene said. VEPTR uses special customised claws and hooks, which are expensive. “We used pedicle screws and hooks that are routinely used in lumbar fusion surgeries and spinal surgeries, thus bringing down the cost.”
Nishat’s mother, could not hide her joy. “We had almost given up because we could not afford the treatment. Now, we hope Nishat will live a normal life,” she said. Nishat will need to visit the hospital every six months, when the screws in his spine will be expanded to allow growth. “We are considering doing it on a few other patients,” Nene said.
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