Timely spinal surgery and dedicated rehabilitation at Apex Hospitals helps a 60-year-old farmer with traumatic Quadriparesis walk again
Apex Group of Hospitals has once again reinforced its reputation as one of Mumbai’s most trusted healthcare destinations by successfully treating a 60+ year-old man with traumatic quadriparesis (Weakness in all 4 limbs) following a fall from a tree.
A 60-year-old farmer from Ratnagiri sustained a severe cervical spinal cord injury after falling from a tree. Following the accident, he developed weakness in all four limbs and was unable to sit, stand, walk, lift his hands, or hold objects. He was initially taken to a local hospital. MRI of the cervical spine was suggestive of compression of the cervical spinal cord at the C5–C6–C7 levels, along with cord edema (Swelling in the cervical spinal cord)—these findings were consistent with traumatic quadriparesis. The Hospital informed them about the complexity of the pathology and a very poor surgical outcome. Unwilling to give up hope, the family brought him to Apex Hospitals for a second opinion.
Dr. Vivek Patel
At Apex Hospitals, a detailed evaluation was performed. Given the neurological status and imaging findings, the family was counseled regarding surgical decompression as the only viable option to give the patient a chance at meaningful recovery.
After careful pre-operative assessment and anesthesia fitness, the patient underwent C5–C6 decompression with implant placement.
The surgery, performed by the neurosurgical team headed by Dr Vivek Patel at Apex Hospitals.
The intra-operative and post-operative courses were uneventful. The patient was subsequently discharged with clear instructions for strict, long-term physiotherapy and rehabilitation.
Initially, the patient's family would follow up regularly with Dr Vivek Patel as they could not bring the patient due to his inability to walk. Despite the challenges, guided physiotherapy protocols continued at home.
In a heartening turn of events, exactly 5 months after the surgery, the patient walked into the outpatient department of Apex Hospitals Borivali . He was able to walk independently and lift his hands, showing remarkable improvement in strength and function. The patient and his family were all smiles and so was the entire hospital staff
Speaking about the case, Dr. Vivek Patel, Neurosurgeon, Apex Group of Hospitals, said,
“This incredible outcome underscores the critical necessity of timely surgical stabilization, which provides the essential foundation for neurological recovery. The patient's subsequent diligent and months-long commitment to physiotherapy successfully leveraged neuroplasticity, facilitating the re-establishment of motor function. Crucially, their indomitable spirit and positive mindset served as the non-technical but vital engine, fueling resilience throughout the grueling rehabilitation process. Ultimately, this represents a profound triumph of multidisciplinary care, demonstrating the synergistic power of surgical expertise, rehabilitation science, and human will, even in severe spinal cord injuries.
At Apex Hospitals Borivali, our focus is not just on performing complex surgeries, but on providing a complete continuum of care that helps patients reclaim their independence and dignity.”
Apex Group of Hospitals continues to position itself as a comprehensive, patient-centric healthcare solution in Mumbai, offering advanced neurosurgical care, modern rehabilitation support and multidisciplinary expertise for complex trauma and spine cases.
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