CARE Hospitals restores mobility in rare thalassemia case

Metro India News | Hyderabad 

Doctors at CARE Hospitals, Hitech City, successfully treated a rare spinal complication in a 34-year-old man with Beta Thalassemia, helping him regain mobility and preventing possible paralysis through a complex spine surgery.

The patient, Surfaraz Takkalapalli of Manikonda, had been experiencing worsening balance issues, difficulty walking and a recent loss of urinary control. Concerned about his deteriorating condition, he sought treatment at the hospital.

Investigations revealed that abnormal blood-forming tissue had developed around his spine and was compressing the spinal cord. Doctors explained that while thalassemia primarily affects blood production, in rare cases blood-forming tissue can grow outside the bone marrow and put pressure on the spinal cord, affecting movement and balance. As the condition involved a large portion of the thoracic spine, doctors warned that delayed treatment could have resulted in permanent nerve damage and paralysis. A multidisciplinary team immediately planned surgery to remove the abnormal tissue and relieve pressure on the spinal cord.

The procedure was performed by Dr. Goparaju Praveen, Consultant Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon, along with the anaesthesia team. “Timely surgery helped prevent permanent damage and significantly improved the patient’s mobility,” said Dr. Praveen. Following surgery and rehabilitation, the patient recovered well, regained his ability to walk comfortably and was discharged in stable condition. Doctors advised people with thalassemia and other blood disorders to seek medical attention for symptoms such as back pain, leg weakness, numbness or balance problems.