Doctors at Global Hospital successfully performed a complex microsurgical procedure on 11-year-old Savya Saman Ali from Kurdistan, who was suffering from a rare congenital spinal condition known as Split Cord Malformation.
The surgery was led by Suresh Sankhla. The child had been experiencing abnormal spinal curvature, commonly known as scoliosis, since early childhood and later developed difficulty in walking. Despite undergoing treatment earlier, her condition continued to deteriorate.
Medical investigations, including spinal MRI and X-rays, revealed an abnormal bony structure in the centre of the spine that had split and tethered the spinal cord, resulting in scoliosis and gait-related difficulties.
Dr. Sankhla explained that split cord malformation is a rare form of spinal dysraphism seen in less than one percent of children. He noted that Savya had an advanced form of the disorder, where the spinal cord was divided into two halves by a bony structure. Such conditions may initially remain asymptomatic but can later lead to pain, spinal deformities, paralysis, walking difficulties and loss of bladder control.
The six-hour microsurgical procedure involved removal of the abnormal bone and reconstruction of the spinal cord covering. The surgery was successfully completed on July 10, following which the patient showed excellent recovery and was discharged three days later.
Doctors stated that with dedicated physiotherapy over the coming months, the child’s scoliosis is expected to improve gradually. They added that early diagnosis and treatment of such congenital spinal malformations significantly reduce the risk of long-term disabilities.
Expressing gratitude after the surgery, Savya said she had long struggled with limping and spinal deformity but is now hopeful of recovering completely and walking normally again.
