Atlantoaxial Surgery Treatment in India
About Atlantoaxial Surgery
Key Highlights
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Restores stability and alignment to the most mobile spinal segment.Relieves pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots, preventing neurological damage.Alleviates chronic, debilitating neck pain and associated headaches.Corrects congenital or acquired deformities for improved function.Utilizes advanced surgical navigation and instrumentation for precision and safety.Offers a definitive solution for atlantoaxial instability to prevent catastrophic injury./ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Traumatic injuries like fractures of the C1 or C2 vertebrae (e.g., Jefferson or Hangman's fracture).
- Congenital abnormalities such as os odontoideum or Down syndrome-associated ligamentous laxity.
- Inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis causing ligament erosion and instability.
- Degenerative conditions leading to excessive motion and spinal cord compression.
- Tumors or infections affecting the atlantoaxial joint.
- Non-union of a previous odontoid fracture.
- Progressive neurological symptoms (weakness, numbness, gait disturbances) due to cord compression.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive diagnostic imaging including dynamic X-rays, CT scans, and MRI to assess bone and soft tissue structures.
- Detailed neurological examination to establish a baseline.
- Pre-operative medical clearance, especially for patients with rheumatoid arthritis or other systemic conditions.
- Discussion of anesthesia risks and the surgical plan with the anesthesiologist and surgeon.
- Discontinuation of blood-thinning medications (e.g., aspirin, warfarin) as advised by the doctor.
- Fasting for 8-12 hours before the scheduled surgery time.
- Arranging for post-operative support and transportation for the recovery period.
Risks & possible complications
- General surgical risks: Infection, bleeding, and adverse reactions to anesthesia.
- Nerve or spinal cord injury, potentially leading to weakness, paralysis, or sensory changes.
- Vertebral artery injury, which can lead to stroke.
- Hardware malposition, failure, or loosening of screws/rods.
- Non-union or failure of the bones to fuse properly.
- Adjacent segment disease (increased stress on vertebrae above or below the fusion).
- Persistent pain, stiffness, or reduced range of motion in the neck.
- Difficulty swallowing or hoarseness (more common with anterior approaches).
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial hospital stay for monitoring neurological status and pain management.
- Wearing a rigid cervical collar (e.g., halo vest or hard collar) for 8-12 weeks to immobilize the neck and promote fusion.
- Gradual return to light activities; strict avoidance of heavy lifting, bending, and twisting.
- Physical therapy to strengthen supporting muscles and improve posture once cleared by the surgeon.
- Regular follow-up visits with X-rays to monitor the healing and fusion process.
- Pain management with prescribed medications, transitioning to over-the-counter options as healing progresses.
- Adhering to all surgeon instructions regarding wound care and activity restrictions to ensure optimal outcomes.
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Typical hospital stay:
4-7 days
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Expected recovery time:
3-6 months for full fusion and return to normal activities
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering atlantoaxial surgery in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for atlantoaxial surgery in India include Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Miot Hospital Chennai, Manipal Hospital Rangapani, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform atlantoaxial surgery. MediFyr helps you compare spine surgeons and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for atlantoaxial surgery compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 350 Thousand – 800 Thousand | 4-7 days | ~ 3-6 months for full fusion and return to normal activities | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 1.23 Million – 2.8 Million | 4-7 days | ~ 3-6 months for full fusion and return to normal activities | Know More |
Top hospitals for Atlantoaxial Surgery in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated spine surgery teams and experience managing patients undergoing atlantoaxial surgery.
Bangalore, India
105 Doctors
Sara Gupta, a 42-year-old software engineer...
Sara Gupta, a 42-year-old software engineer and mother of two, had been living with worsening neck pain and stiffness for over a year. An avid runner, she first noticed a persistent ache at the base of her skull, which she attributed to stress and poor posture. Over months, the pain intensified, radiating into her shoulders, and she began experiencing alarming episodes of dizziness and a feeling of instability when turning her head quickly. A minor fall while jogging led to severe neck pain and numbness in her fingers, prompting an urgent visit. MRI and CT scans revealed atlantoaxial instability due to a congenital ligament laxity that had progressively worsened. Her spine surgeon, Dr. Chen, explained that her C1 and C2 vertebrae were unstable, risking spinal cord injury. He recommended posterior atlantoaxial fusion to stabilize the joint. Terrified by the idea of spine surgery but more frightened of permanent nerve damage, Sara underwent the procedure. The surgery was successful. Her recovery in the hospital was challenging, with initial pain managed by medication and wearing a rigid cervical collar. After six weeks, the severe nerve symptoms were gone. At her three-month follow-up, she was cleared for gentle physical therapy. The emotional journey was profound; pre-surgery, she felt vulnerable and feared for her ability to care for her children. Post-recovery, though she has accepted permanent limitations on high-impact activities, she is deeply grateful for her stability and lack of pain, feeling a renewed sense of security and patience for life's slower pace.
Spine surgeons for Atlantoaxial Surgery
Explore experienced spine surgeons who regularly perform atlantoaxial surgery and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 20 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 14 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 15 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 14 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 25 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 24 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 12 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Kharadi, Pune
- 12 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Bangalore
- 24 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Hebbal, Bangalore
- 25 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Artemis Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon
- 8 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Jaipur, Jaipur
- 7 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 5 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 12 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 12 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 25 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Salt Lake, Kolkata
- 15 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Salt Lake, Kolkata
- 17 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Dwarka, Delhi
- 19 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon