Teenager’s S-shaped spine deformity corrected by KIMS Kurnool doctors using 30 screws

Kurnool: Doctors at KIMS Hospital, Kurnool, have successfully corrected a severe S-shaped spinal deformity in an 18-year-old girl through a highly complex surgery involving the placement of 30 spinal screws.

The patient, a resident of Vamasamudram village in Kurnool district, had been suffering for several years from persistent headaches, abnormal gait and progressive spinal curvature. Over 100 highly complex spinal surgeries performed in the Rayalaseema region.

What is the medical procedure about?

Her family, belonging to an economically weaker background, initially sought treatment at a private hospital where she underwent surgery in 2019 for Arnold–Chiari malformation, a congenital condition affecting the brain.

While the headaches subsided after that procedure, the spinal deformity continued to worsen over the years, eventually resulting in a pronounced hunchback posture.

Given the high risk associated with corrective spinal surgery in such cases, including the possibility of permanent neurological damage, the patient was referred to KIMS Hospital, Kurnool.

How was the operation executed?

After a detailed evaluation, a team led by consultant spine surgeon Dr Shaik Mannan and Chief Consultant and Head of the Orthopaedics Department Dr Kiran Kumar decided to perform the surgery under continuous intra-operative neuromonitoring.

Explaining the procedure, Dr Mannan said the patient had a spinal curvature of nearly 50 degrees extending from the D2 to L4 vertebrae.

“Despite the high risk, we were able to achieve nearly 90–95 per cent correction using 30 specialised screws. The spinal alignment has been restored close to normal. The earlier shoulder imbalance has resolved, both shoulders are now at the same level, and the prominent bony hump on the back has significantly reduced,” he said.

Remarkably, the patient was able to walk independently from the first day after surgery, and her vital functions returned to normal soon after. The surgery was successfully completed with the support of the anaesthesia team comprising Dr Bhuvana and Dr Shruthi, along with critical care Dr Rajesh Reddy.

Orthopaedic HOD Dr Kiran Kumar said the procedure marked one of the most complex spinal surgeries performed in the Rayalaseema region and the first successful neuromuscular scoliosis correction of its kind in the area.

“This achievement once again highlights the clinical expertise and commitment of KIMS Hospital,” he noted.

KIMS Kurnool Regional COO Siddareddy stated that the entire cost of the surgery was covered under the Arogyasri scheme, making it completely free for the patient.

He added that the hospital has performed over 100 highly complex spinal surgeries in the Rayalaseema region, which he described as a matter of pride for the institution.