Noida: A 24-year-old electrician who was left completely paralysed after falling nearly 20 feet from a ladder regained significant mobility following a complex cervical spine surgery at the Government Institute of Medical Sciences (GIMS) in Greater Noida.The man was brought to the hospital immediately after the accident in September, with severe neck pain and complete loss of sensation and movement in his arms and legs. Doctors found that he suffered a serious injury to the cervical spine, with a fractured vertebra compressing the spinal cord — a condition that could lead to permanent paralysis if not treated promptly.The patient also showed signs of spinal shock, a life-threatening condition marked by low blood pressure and a slow heart rate.The emergency team began trauma care protocols. “Advanced imaging tests, including X-ray, CT scan and MRI confirmed the C5 vertebral fracture with spinal cord compression. He was admitted to the intensive care unit for continuous monitoring, where doctors initially used skeletal traction to reduce pressure on the spinal cord,” said Dr Rakesh Kumar Gupta, director of GIMS.“After detailed planning and consultation among specialists, surgeons performed a complex anterior cervical spine surgery under general anaesthesia. The procedure involved removal of the damaged disc between the C5 and C6 vertebrae, decompression of the spinal cord, bone grafting, and fixation to stabilise the spine,” he added. Post-surgery, the patient underwent intensive monitoring and a structured rehabilitation programme that included physiotherapy and airway care.Doctors said the patient showed gradual improvement during recovery. Within three weeks, he was able to sit with support using a soft cervical collar and by the fourth week he could stand with assistance using a walker. At a six month follow-up, the patient regained significant functional mobility. The case has highlighted the importance of early intervention, coordinated trauma care and dedicated rehabilitation in spinal cord injury cases.
