Manipal Hospital scripted a rare surgery to give new lease of life to 20-year old Rekha. She was suffering from a genetic disorder called Mucopolysacharidosis which is a group of metabolic disorders caused by the absence or malfunctioning of lysosomal enzymes needed to break down molecules called glycosaminoglycans. These long chains of sugar carbohydrates occur within the cells that help build bone, cartilage, tendons, corneas, skin and connective tissue.A major issue related to this genetic disorder is that the patient is extremely short in height and a short neck. They have deformed and weak bones which makes the person unsteady and they face difficulty in mobility. Additionally it leads to cellular damage that affects appearance, physical abilities, organ and system functioning is adversely affected and thus hampering mental development.Rekha’s case is extremely heart-warming as she was suffering from this condition when born despite that she was doing her engineering. However since her symptoms had become extremely complicated, she required surgical and medical intervention from Dr. Vidyadhara S, Spine Surgeon & team at Manipal Hospitals.
Speaking on the occasion Dr. Vidyadhara S, HOD & Consultant Spine Surgeon, Manipal Hospitals said, “This is a very rare type of genetic disorder with a ratio of 1 in 700,000 births. Post diagnosis of Rekha’s condition she had a bent spine (hunch back) and at the junction of her brain and neck the bones had slipped one over the other pressing the spinal cord. Her hands and legs were weak and she was on the verge of paralysis. However we successfully conducted surgery to re-align her slipping bones and fixed with screws and rods. “He further added, “Keeping her symptoms and condition in mind where her physical growth stopped at the age of 8-years. She had developed symptoms of skeletal abnormalities that include bell-shaped chest, curvature of the spine, shortened long bones, and dysplasia of the hips, knees, ankles, and wrists. Thus a surgical procedure called Occipito-Cervical fusion was undertaken. She responded to surgery well and is extremely pleased with the results. She has now completed her engineering and is also doing a job.”There are other common symptoms faced by children who are inflicted with this order which includes restricted breathing, joint stiffness and heart diseases. Children generally do not survive beyond 20 – 30 years. The oldest known living person with Morquios Type IV is currently 80 years old, named Kenneth D. Martin, and was born in Osage City, Kansas, USA.
About Manipal Hospitals:
As a pioneer in healthcare, Manipal Hospitals is among the largest hospital network in India serving over 2 million patients annually. Its focus is to develop an affordable tertiary care multispecialty healthcare framework through its entire multispecialty delivery spectrum and further extend it to homecare. With its flagship quaternary care facility located in Bangalore, India, 8 tertiary care, 7 secondary care and 2 primary care clinics spread across India and abroad, Manipal Hospitals successfully operates and manages 5,200+ beds. Manipal Hospitals provides comprehensive curative and preventive care for a multitude of patients from across the globe. Manipal Hospitals is first in India to be awarded accreditation by the AAHRPP for ethical standards in clinical research activities. It is also NABL, NABH and ISO certified. Manipal Hospitals is also the most respected hospital company in India and the most patient recommended hospital in India by consumer survey.