38 screws, rods and determination: Raishan’s dream to sit upright comes true

Thiruvananthapuram: 23-year-old Mohammad Raishan, a Maldives native, can now sit upright. With the help of 38 screws and special rods attached from his head to hips, Raishan can now sit without support from others. His determined journey to this point has surprised even his doctor.

When Raishan arrived at KIMS Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram, he could barely move his fingers.

He was diagnosed with a rare spinal condition called neuromuscular scoliosis (NMS). NMS is a condition that leads to an abnormal curve in the spine, often forming a C or S shape. When Dr. Ranjith Unnikrishnan, an orthopedic spine surgeon, explained the complex 10 hour long surgery and the risks involved, Raishan listening patiently, smiled and bravely chose to proceed.

“Although surgery is common for scoliosis, it was the first time so many screws were used on a single person,” said Dr. Ranjith. 

Successful surgery

The surgery involved a special metal rod made of broad cobalt chromium. The pecularity of this rod is that it remains invisible on medical scans including MRIs and can safely stay inside the body for a lifetime.

The successful procedure has allowed Raishan to sit upright in a wheelchair. There's a smile on his face that reflects his newfound confidence. He's happy that he can finally sit up without having to depend on others. 

At just six months old, he was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy (Type-2), but due to lack of medical facilities in the Maldives, he was not able to receive proper treatment. Over the years, his condition progressed to neuromuscular scoliosis, making it impossible for him to sit without support. Whenever he tried to sit, he would bend and fall forward. The Maldivian government has also provided financial support for his treatment.

Raishan is the youngest of four siblings of engineers Ahmed and Aminath. His father, Ahmed, along with a group of other parents, have formed a NGO called the Maldives Association for Disabilities, working to support families dealing with similar disabilities like their son.

Today, Raishan is optimistic about the future and eager to pursue his dreams. He wants to earn a doctorate in psychology make his dreams come true.