A 13-year-old girl suffering from a rare and severe spinal condition has made a remarkable recovery after undergoing complex surgery at the AJ Institute of Medical Sciences, Mangaluru. She was diagnosed with Type III Klippel-Feil Syndrome (KFS) — a rare congenital disorder where the bones in the neck are fused, leading to a short, webbed neck, restricted neck mobility, uneven shoulders, and spinal curvature (scoliosis). The condition had also hindered her physical development, leaving her with noticeable deformities for years.
Upon thorough investigation, a multidisciplinary team led by orthopaedic surgeons Dr Sudeep Shetty and Dr Dheeraj Kumar, along with paediatric experts, identified multiple spinal anomalies, including neck bone fusion, a hemivertebra (abnormal bone) in the lower spine, and a severely curved backbone. The girl was also found to have systemic issues such as hypertension.
In a single-stage corrective surgery, the team — including Dr Hashir Safwan, Dr Pawan, and anaesthetists Dr TV Tantry, Dr Preetham, and Dr Nitu Renny — performed an extensive spinal realignment from the cervical to lumbar regions, removed the malformed bone, and addressed the shoulder deformity. The procedure, which lasted six to seven hours, was conducted under continuous neuromonitoring to safeguard spinal cord function.
The surgery was successful, with no post-operative complications. The girl has now resumed her daily routine, showcasing a dramatic transformation.
“This is a story of both medical excellence and personal courage,” said Dr Prashanth Marla, medical director of the hospital.