Rourkela: Ispat General Hospital (IGH) of SAIL, Rourkela (RSP) has successfully performed the region’s first 360-degree cervical spine surgery, marking a significant achievement in advanced neurosurgical care. The rare and complex surgery was conducted on a 23-year-old youth from Jharkhand, who had sustained a severe spinal injury following a road accident on 11th June, 2025. He was brought to IGH in a critical condition by his relatives and admitted under the non-entitled (CASH) category. On admission, he exhibited alarming symptoms including complete immobility of the right leg, weakness in all four limbs, inability to sit, and intense pain in the neck and body.

A comprehensive clinical evaluation led by Dr. Manoj Kumar Deo, Senior Consultant, Neurosurgery (M&HS), revealed a Grade II Dislocation of the Cervical Spine at the C4-C5 level, a life-threatening condition. If untreated, the dislocation could have resulted in permanent paralysis, respiratory failure, pressure sores, and eventual death. After detailed consultation with the patient's mother and elder brother, and upon receiving informed consent, a high-risk surgery was undertaken. Dr. Deo, supported by a multidisciplinary team, successfully performed a complex spinal fixation surgery from both anterior and posterior approaches over the course of approximately 9 hours. Anaesthesia support was provided by Dr. Sanjukta Panigrahi, Additional CMO, Anaesthesia & ICU, and Dr. Smita Kujur, Senior Consultant, Anaesthesia. The operation theatre was managed by Brother Kamalakar and Sister Lipia, while post-operative care was diligently handled by Sister Gouri, Sister Sasmita, Sister Ekta, and other nursing staff.

In light of the patient's financial constraints, AMRIT Pharmacy facilitated the timely provision of essential surgical implants and medicines at subsidised rates, enabling this life-saving intervention.

In the post-operative phase, the patient showed remarkable recovery. Within a week of the surgery, he regained movement in his right leg, experienced increased strength in all limbs, and was able to sit up and stand with support. He showed approximately 40% functional improvement during his hospital stay and continues to progress under medical supervision.

The successful complex medical intervention reaffirms IGH’s commitment to delivering high-end healthcare services to the people of this region.