Kochi: Every journey has its share of hurdles, but for Sherin Raj from North Paravur, who was diagnosed with congenital kyphoscoliosis at the age of 13, the challenges seemed insurmountable. Born with an incomplete formation of her thoracic spine’s vertebrae, Sherin’s condition led to an abnormal curvature that worsened as she grew, stunting her back’s development and causing a bone to press onto her spinal cord. By adolescence, she struggled with significant spinal cord compression, weakness in both legs, and eventually relied on a wheelchair.

Sherin, who is now 20 years old, experienced a turning point when she sought help from VPS Lakeshore Hospital in July 2017 at the age of 13, after consulting several hospitals within and outside the state. Under the expert guidance of Dr R. Krishna Kumar, Head of the Spine Surgery Department, Sherin embarked on a life-changing treatment journey.

“She was almost in the final stages of complete paralysis in both legs. I explained the urgent need for surgery to relieve the spinal cord compression; without it, she would have been in a wheelchair permanently,” Dr R. Krishna Kumar recalled from seven years ago.

Dr R. Krishna Kumar performed a complex kyphoscoliosis corrective surgery to remove the bone pressing against the patient’s spinal cord. The procedure, which involved advanced neuromonitoring techniques, included the placement of titanium screws and cobalt-chromium rods to correct the spine’s curvature. These MRI-compatible implants can remain in place for life, allowing Sherin to finally stand tall without pain.

“Kyphoscoliosis, especially in its advanced stages, can severely impact a patient’s ability to lead a normal life,” said Dr R. Krishna Kumar. “But with the right intervention, we can restore both function and hope. Sherin’s case required precision and skill, and seeing her today, ready to pursue her dreams, is a moment of immense pride for all of us.”

With her body on the path to recovery, Sherin turned her focus back to her studies. "The surgery gave me the freedom to dream again," she said. “I never thought I’d be able to become a doctor after what I went through. Now, I’m starting my MBBS degree, and I can’t wait to help others the way Dr R. Krishna Kumar helped me.”