A 36-year-old woman from Karaikal, who had been suffering from lower back pain for three years along with constant pain in her right leg, has regained mobility following a spine surgery at Karaikal Government Hospital (GH).
As the patient’s condition had worsened in the past six months, she was admitted to Karaikal Government Hospital. The surgery was performed last week.
N. Arul Kumar, Assistant Professor, Orthopaedics and Trauma, JIPMER-Karaikal, who led the surgical team, said that prolonged lower back pain had led to a neurological deficit affecting the L5 nerve root, which plays a crucial role in walking and daily activities. Medical evaluation confirmed a prolapsed intervertebral disc at the L4-L5 level, causing spinal cord compression and severe nerve pain (radiculopathy) in her right leg.
Following the surgery, the patient made a complete recovery, regaining normal walking ability without pain.
Mr. Arul Kumar stressed on the importance of timely intervention in spine-related conditions, noting that delays could result in permanent leg weakness and loss of bladder and bowel control. He highlighted the lack of awareness about spinal surgeries as many patients fear that such procedures may lead to severe complications.
The surgery, which costs about ₹2 lakh in private hospitals, was performed free of cost on February 5, said S. Kannagi, Medical Superintendent of the hospital.
The Orthopaedics Department team of the hospital included Dr. Arulkumar Bhuvanesh, along with an anaesthesia team led by Dr. Suresh and Dr. Alexa.
