Artemis Hospital, Gurugram in Prominence Healthcare System®, took a patient’s life to conquer cervical compressive myelopathy (CCM) and restore mobility to the patient.
Advanced Spine Care goes from Iraq to India, a life-changing journey
Patient History
With the onset of a rapidly progressing neurological condition, gradually eroding his independence, , a 58-year-old gentleman from Iraq, showed up at the Department of Ortho Spine Surgery at Artemis Hospital in Gurugram.
His neck pain had slowly become so bad he could no longer walk comfortably; both his legs were stiff; he had some concerning symptoms of bowel and bladder control. His neurologic condition quickly worsened, and he could be permanently paralysed.
He was keen to restore his mobility and enhance his quality of life, and was starting to seek out the best spine treatment in India. He was then directed to the Department of Ortho Spine Surgery of Artemis Hospital, where he met not only Dr. Hitesh Garg (HOD Ortho Spine Surgery) but also the team comprising the doctors from other specialities of the spine team to discuss his issues.
At consultation, when assessed clinically, he was found to have several progressive neurological symptoms such as pain in the neck, difficulty walking, stiffness and rigidity of the lower limbs, impaired walking balance, progressive neurological weakness and issues with bowel or bladder control.
The symptoms indicated a more severe disorder of the spinal cord known as Cervical Compressive Myelopathy (CCM), which, if left untreated, can result in permanent neurological damage.
Diagnosis:
Thereafter, he received a comprehensive neurological assessment and further magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans and was diagnosed with Cervical Compressive Myelopathy.
Patients with such a diagnosis often have symptoms including neck pain, hand clumsiness, weakness in arms and legs, numbness and tingling, difficulty maintaining balance, walking instability and inability to control the bladder or bowel, and if left untreated, this can result in a permanent neurological impairment.
As per MRI scans and neurological assessment, the spine team comprising Dr Hitesh Garg recommended an urgent cervical spine cord decompression and cervical spine stabilisation surgery.
The surgical team consisted of an expert spine surgeon, and they were looking to relieve the pressure off the spine, to prevent further loss of brain function, to stabilise the spine and improve walking and neurological function.
Surgery Performed
The complicated cervical spine surgery consisted of posterior decompression of the spine (C3-7 levels), including fixation and fusion. This alleviates the load of the spinal cord, and a pedicle screw/rod system provides spinal stability, restores normal cervical spine alignment and prevents additional spinal cord injury while preventing further spinal damage and promoting stability of the cervical spine.
Posterior cervical decompression and fixation continue to be one of the most successful surgeries for patients with multilevel cervical spinal cord compression and progressive cervical myelopathy.
Recovery after Surgery
He exhibited miraculous improvement in Spine Surgery Department and the Rehabilitation team and in just a couple of days after his surgery – he managed to achieve several milestones with high levels of compression on the spinal cord, reduced length of legs, better walking ability, better neurological function, improved balance and co-ordination, early mobilisation, safe post-surgery without a problem, and emphasising the importance of support from the rehabilitation team.
He was discharged on the 10th July 2026 (three days after surgery) in a stable condition with a bespoke rehabilitation and follow-up plan.
When is early surgery beneficial to the patient with Cervical Compressive Myelopathy?
Cervical Compressive Myelopathy is a progressive disease. Early diagnosis and treatment improve prospects of neurological recovery. If not treated, damage to the spinal cord could be permanent. Stepping in before there are any symptoms may help to maximise outcomes and avoid disabling conditions for the lifetime of the patient.
Why Artemis Hospital is the best hospital in the world for Spine Surgery?
The patients have preferred Artemis Hospital for the involvement of the Spine Surgeons having vast experience in spine surgery, their advanced scope and surgical expertise in the surgery of spine, the integration of the advanced surgical navigation technology and the Master laboratories with multi-professional approach in the treatment.
In Ortho Spine Surgery, the department has a mix of high technology and well-tried and tested treatment methods that guarantee optimal functional outcomes for patients from across the globe.
Path from disability to independence.
His journey illustrates the life-changing impact that can be achieved with conscious surgery and a thorough rehabilitation regimen.
His continuous transition from severe neurological signs and symptoms back to walking freely and without support suggests the success that early intervention for Cervical Compressive Myelopathy can have to restore mobility, independence and quality of life.
Every surgery conducted in Artemis Hospital is not merely a surgical operation; it is an opportunity to give hope, to enhance functionality and independence to a patient and his/her family.
Have symptoms of cervical myelopathy?
Don’t put these symptoms down to other ailments. If diagnosed early, timely treatment can avoid permanent neurological damage and greatly aid recovery.
Get an honest treatment plan from a spine surgeon at Artemis Hospital Gurgaon by completely evaluating yourself with an ortho spine surgeon by sharing your needs, requirements, and preferences.