A 27-year-old man, critically injured in a recent road traffic accident, was saved from the brink of permanent paralysis following life-saving spinal surgery at Narayana RN Tagore Hospital, Mukundapur. The patient, who had no prior health conditions, was brought to the Emergency Room (ER) within hours of the accident, suffering from an incomplete spinal cord injury at the T4-T5 level, along with multiple rib fractures and a closed head injury.
After a quick and thorough diagnosis using MRI and X-ray imaging, the medical team proceeded with an emergency spinal decompression and posterior instrumentation to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and stabilise the thoracic spine. Rib fractures were managed conservatively, while the head injury, though serious, was treated through continuous neurological monitoring and did not require surgery.
The surgery came with enormous clinical pressure. The spinal cord injury was incomplete, meaning some nerve signals were still getting through. Had the intervention been delayed, even by a few hours, the injury could have progressed to a complete spinal cord injury, resulting in irreversible paralysis.
“When a patient arrives with an incomplete spinal cord injury, we’re literally racing against time,” said Dr. Sai Viksheth Raj Basani, Consultant – Spine Surgery, Narayana RN Tagore Hospital. “Surgical precision, fast coordination, and immediate rehabilitation make the difference between lifelong disability and meaningful recovery. In this case, every second truly mattered, and the outcome reflects that.”
Following surgery, the patient remained at Narayana RN Tagore Hospital for two weeks, during which he was closely monitored and cared for by a multi-speciality team. A tailored rehabilitation program was initiated from the very first day to encourage early neurological recovery, pain control, and mobility. Over the course of three months, the patient regained full control over bladder and bowel function, began walking independently, and gradually returned to his normal routine without any external support.
“This case reflects how coordinated, attentive care across every stage, from emergency to rehabilitation, can make a real difference,” said Mr. R. Venkatesh, Group COO, Narayana Health. “The patient’s recovery is a reminder of what’s possible when timely treatment is paired with sustained clinical support.”
“This was a high-stakes case involving multiple injuries, and the success of the recovery reflects the strength of our team-based approach,” said Mr. Abhijit CP, Director of Narayana RN Tagore Hospital and Corporate Growth Initiatives at Narayana Health (East). “What stood out was the patient’s determination, and the unwavering efforts of our clinical and rehabilitation staff to support that journey.”
For the patient’s family, the days following the accident were filled with anxiety and uncertainty. The possibility of paralysis had left them fearing the worst.
“We were terrified when we learned about the spinal injury. Everything happened so fast. But today, watching him stand, walk, and smile feels nothing short of a miracle. We are so thankful to the entire team at Narayana Health for giving him this second chance,” shared a family member.
With a tailored neuro-rehabilitation program, the patient showed progressive motor and sensory improvement. Over a period of three months, he regained bladder and bowel control, independent mobility, and eventually returned to daily activities without assistance. As of today, he is fully independent and has resumed work in the tech industry, a testament to both the clinical excellence and the power of timely intervention.
