Severe Spinal Deformity: Indian Boy Receives Life-Changing Treatment at Shanghai's Xinhua Hospital
China Health Trip brings you real-life stories of patients who experienced world-class medical care in China. Explore the case below for more inspiration.
A 10-year-old Indian boy named Xiaobao was diagnosed with a rare condition called “Stiff Person Syndrome” after a fever in 2020, causing his spinal curvature to reach 162 degrees with a kyphosis of 109 degrees. This severe condition resulted in unbearable pain, and despite seeking treatment in India, the UK, the US, and Singapore, doctors were unwilling to operate due to the high risks involved.
In May 2023, Xiaobao and his family traveled to Shanghai’s Xinhua Hospital, known for its Rare Disease Treatment Center. After a comprehensive examination, doctors discovered Xiaobao’s prolonged use of steroids had led to osteoporosis, complicating immediate surgery. A team of specialists from 17 departments at Xinhua Hospital devised a three-step treatment plan: traction, surgery, and rehabilitation.
After five months of traction therapy, Xiaobao’s spinal curvature improved from 162 degrees to 97 degrees, and his respiratory function significantly enhanced. In January of this year, the conditions were favorable for surgery, and Xinhua Hospital successfully performed a seven-hour corrective surgery for his severe scoliosis. Post-surgery, the medical team tackled the challenges of rehabilitation.
Dr. Yang Junlin, Chief Physician at Xinhua Hospital’s Spine Center, stated that due to Xiaobao’s extremely brittle bones, like sand, a brace was essential post-surgery to ensure success. Following extensive medication adjustments, Xiaobao’s rehabilitation progressed well, leading to a full recovery.
On April 23, Xiaobao’s final follow-up indicated excellent recovery of all functions, and he had grown 24 centimeters taller since the surgery. After nearly a year of treatment in Shanghai, Xiaobao and his family expressed their gratitude, with his mother thanking Professor Yang for giving her son a new life.
Since September last year, Shanghai has established 13 top-tier hospitals as international medical tourism pilot units, attracting more foreign patients to seek treatment in the city.
Severe Spinal Deformity: Indian Boy Receives Life-Changing Treatment at Shanghai's Xinhua Hospital
China Health Trip brings you real-life stories of patients who experienced world-class medical care in China. Explore the case below for more inspiration.
A 10-year-old Indian boy named Xiaobao was diagnosed with a rare condition called “Stiff Person Syndrome” after a fever in 2020, causing his spinal curvature to reach 162 degrees with a kyphosis of 109 degrees. This severe condition resulted in unbearable pain, and despite seeking treatment in India, the UK, the US, and Singapore, doctors were unwilling to operate due to the high risks involved.
In May 2023, Xiaobao and his family traveled to Shanghai’s Xinhua Hospital, known for its Rare Disease Treatment Center. After a comprehensive examination, doctors discovered Xiaobao’s prolonged use of steroids had led to osteoporosis, complicating immediate surgery. A team of specialists from 17 departments at Xinhua Hospital devised a three-step treatment plan: traction, surgery, and rehabilitation.
After five months of traction therapy, Xiaobao’s spinal curvature improved from 162 degrees to 97 degrees, and his respiratory function significantly enhanced. In January of this year, the conditions were favorable for surgery, and Xinhua Hospital successfully performed a seven-hour corrective surgery for his severe scoliosis. Post-surgery, the medical team tackled the challenges of rehabilitation.
Dr. Yang Junlin, Chief Physician at Xinhua Hospital’s Spine Center, stated that due to Xiaobao’s extremely brittle bones, like sand, a brace was essential post-surgery to ensure success. Following extensive medication adjustments, Xiaobao’s rehabilitation progressed well, leading to a full recovery.
On April 23, Xiaobao’s final follow-up indicated excellent recovery of all functions, and he had grown 24 centimeters taller since the surgery. After nearly a year of treatment in Shanghai, Xiaobao and his family expressed their gratitude, with his mother thanking Professor Yang for giving her son a new life.
Since September last year, Shanghai has established 13 top-tier hospitals as international medical tourism pilot units, attracting more foreign patients to seek treatment in the city.