Craniovertebral Junction Surgery Treatment in India

Pari Khan, a 28-year-old aspiring graphic...

Pari Khan, a 28-year-old aspiring graphic designer, was born with Down syndrome and had always been medically complex. For the last two years, her parents noticed a decline in her mobility; she became increasingly unsteady, refusing to walk and preferring to crawl. She developed severe neck pain, held her head in a tilted position (torticollis), and had new episodes of breath-holding. Her compassionate neurologist, suspecting a common CVJ instability associated with her condition, ordered dynamic X-rays. They showed a dramatic, dangerous slippage of her first vertebra (atlantoaxial instability) that threatened her spinal cord with every movement. Her neurosurgeon recommended CVJ fusion surgery as an urgent preventative measure to avoid a catastrophic spinal cord injury. The decision was heart-wrenching for her family, who feared the risks of such a major operation. The surgery was successful in achieving solid fusion. Recovery was slow and required immense patience from Pari and her family, involving gentle rehabilitation. Now, 18 months post-op, her neck is stable and pain-free. She has regained the confidence to walk steadily, her playful spirit has returned, and she is creating art again. The emotional arc for Pari and her family moved from terror and protective anguish to overwhelming relief and joy, seeing her secure and able to safely engage with the world she loves.