Bhubaneswar, May 05: Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar successfully treated a rare and potentially life-threatening spinal injury in a 10-year-old girl, from Jharkhand, restoring her ability to walk within days of surgery. The child presented with post-traumatic atlantoaxial dislocation with a Type II odontoid fracture, an uncommon but critical injury affecting the upper cervical spine and posing a high risk of spinal cord damage.
The injury occurred during routine play when the child sustained a sudden forceful twist to the neck, leading to loss of consciousness for nearly 20 minutes. When she regained consciousness, she was unable to move all four limbs, indicating a serious neurological injury. Although she showed partial recovery over the next few days, especially on the left side, she continued to have significant weakness, poor coordination, and difficulty walking. Under the care of Dr. Amit Jaiswal, Director and Senior Consultant – Neurosurgery, Manipal Hospital Bhubaneshwar, found reduced muscle strength in all limbs, more pronounced on the right, along with signs of upper motor neuron involvement such as spastic gait and brisk reflexes. CT and MRI scans confirmed a Type II odontoid fracture with atlantoaxial dislocation and spinal cord changes suggestive of cervical myelopathy, prompting the team to proceed with urgent surgical intervention.
On April 18, 2026, the patient underwent posterior C1–C2 fixation along with foramen magnum decompression. This highly specialized procedure involved stabilizing the upper cervical vertebrae using screws and rods, while also relieving pressure at the craniovertebral junction to protect the spinal cord.
Dr. Amit Jaiswal, Director and Senior Consultant – Neurosurgery, said,
“Upper cervical spine injuries in children are rare but extremely serious, often requiring a high index of suspicion even when symptoms partially improve. In this case, the instability at the atlantoaxial junction posed a significant risk to the spinal cord. Our goal was to achieve firm stabilization while ensuring adequate decompression to allow neurological recovery. With timely surgical intervention and precise technique, we were able to restore alignment and give the child the best chance at a full functional recovery.”
The surgery was successful, with post-operative imaging confirming correct placement of implants and proper spinal alignment. The child showed immediate improvement, regaining movement in all four limbs with only mild weakness in the right upper limb. Her recovery was rapid—she started walking with minimal support on the first day after surgery, was almost independent by the second day, and was discharged on the third day, marking a significant turnaround in her condition.
Her father, expressing relief and gratitude, shared, “We were terrified when she couldn’t move. Seeing her walk again within days feels like a miracle. The doctors and staff supported us at every step—we are deeply thankful.”
This case highlights the importance of early recognition and intervention in pediatric cervical spine injuries, where symptoms may initially improve but underlying instability persists. It also underscores the advanced surgical expertise available at Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar in managing complex spine conditions with precision and care.
