From helping a 14-year-old girl overcome spinal tuberculosis and regain mobility, to correcting a 17-year-old's severe scoliosis, and curing a rare spinal infection in a 34-year-old, these life-transforming surgeries were enabled through the integration of technologies.
Published Aug 22, 2025 | 4:58 PM ⚊ Updated Aug 22, 2025 | 4:58 PM
Spine related patients Venkoba and Sajiya Aiman with doctors. (Supplied)
Synopsis: At Narayana Health City, Bengaluru, cutting-edge spinal technologies like robotic surgery, O-arm imaging, spinal navigation, and neuromonitoring are transforming lives. From treating spinal TB in a 14-year-old to correcting scoliosis and curing rare infections, these innovations enable precise, life-changing surgeries. Led by expert surgeons, patients are regaining mobility, independence, and hope for a brighter future.
For a person’s mobility, the spinal cord is everything—it makes a person stand, walk, and helps people fulfill their dreams as well as provide for themselves. But what if advanced spinal disease cripples a person?
Next comes technology, which is increasingly playing a vital role in enhancing lives. At Narayana Health City in Bengaluru, technology is being harnessed to empower patients and help them reclaim their health and independence.
From helping a 14-year-old girl overcome spinal tuberculosis and regain mobility, to correcting a 17-year-old’s severe scoliosis, and curing a rare spinal infection in a 34-year-old, these life-transforming surgeries were enabled through the integration of technologies like the Spine Robot, O-arm intraoperative imaging, spinal navigation, and neuromonitoring.
Fourteen-year-old Usha H. M. had always been a bright, spirited girl with big dreams for her future. But advanced spinal tuberculosis threatened to steal everything she had hoped for. The disease had progressed to a devastating stage, leaving her in excruciating pain and completely unable to walk.
The collapse of her D10 vertebra had created a severe spinal deformity and dangerous compression of her spinal cord—a combination that presented her medical team with enormous challenges.
The young girl who once ran and played was now facing the possibility of permanent paralysis. Her condition had deteriorated so severely that conventional treatments seemed inadequate for the complex reconstruction her spine desperately needed.
In March 2025, Dr Vinu Raj, Consultant in Spine Surgery, assembled a specialized team to tackle what would prove to be a delicate and intricate procedure. They performed a complex D7 (thoracic vertebra) to L1 ( lumbar vertebra) posterior spinal stabilization and decompression, but what made this surgery extraordinary was the fusion of human skill with robotic precision.
The surgical team deployed cutting-edge technology—a Spine Robot working in harmony with O-arm imaging and spinal navigation systems. These tools provided real-time 3D visualization, allowing the surgeons to see exactly what they were doing as they carefully realigned Usha’s spine and relieved the crushing pressure on her spinal cord.
“This procedure really highlights our commitment to combining cutting-edge technology with multidisciplinary expertise, especially for young patients facing daunting spinal conditions,” said Dr. Vinu Raj. “Helping Usha regain mobility was as much about her determination as our surgical innovation.”
Usha has regained her strength and grows stronger with each passing day. Most importantly, she’s back to pursuing her dream of becoming a police officer, a goal that seemed impossible just months ago.
For 17-year-old Sajiya Aiman, adolescent idiopathic scoliosis had been a constant companion, disrupting her life with severe spinal curvature. The condition had progressively worsened, affecting not just her physical appearance but her confidence and daily activities.
In May 2025, Sajiya found herself under the expert care of Prof. Arun Ranganathan at Narayana Health City. Working alongside Dr. Vinu Raj and Dr. Shashidhar B K, the medical team planned a complex spinal correction from D10 to L5—a procedure that would require absolute precision to avoid any damage to the spinal cord.
The surgery was a masterclass in modern medical innovation. Using the Spine Robot assisted by O-arm imaging and continuous neuromonitoring, the team carefully corrected Sajiya’s spinal alignment. The advanced technology allowed them to work with millimeter precision while continuously monitoring spinal cord function.
Venkoba’s story began with persistent, agonizing back pain that no conventional treatment could touch. The 34-year-old’s suffering continued until doctors at Narayana Health City made a startling discovery through advanced imaging: a rare Brucella bacterial infection in his spinal discs, contracted through his work with animals.
This uncommon infection required specialized intervention. The medical team performed spinal decompression and stabilization surgery using state-of-the-art spinal navigation technology. The precision required for this procedure was immense, as the infection had compromised the structural integrity of his spine.
Venkoba is now completely free from back pain and has returned to expanding his borehole drilling business with renewed energy and enthusiasm.
These remarkable recoveries were made possible through the seamless integration of four revolutionary technologies:
Reflecting on these successes, Prof. Arun Ranganathan, Senior Consultant & Director of Orthopaedics, Spine Surgery & Trauma, said, “These young patients had formidable spinal conditions requiring flawless planning and execution. Integrating robotics with navigation, O-arm imaging, and neuromonitoring ensures world-class care right here in India.”
“Every complex spine case is a testament to teamwork and embracing new technology,” added Dr. Shashidhar B K, Consultant Spine Surgeon. “Our true success lies in restoring independence, movement, and hope to our young patients.”
(Edited by Sumavarsha)
