Learn about Spinal Muscular Atrophy Treatment in India — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Spinal Muscular Atrophy and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Spinal Muscular Atrophy

Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a genetic neuromuscular disorder characterized by progressive muscle weakness and degeneration, not a surgical procedure. However, spine surgery may be considered for SMA patients to manage severe secondary spinal deformities, most commonly scoliosis, which can develop as a complication of the disease. These corrective spinal surgeries, such as spinal fusion, aim to stabilize the spine, improve posture, alleviate pain, and enhance respiratory function and overall quality of life. The decision for surgery is made by a multidisciplinary team, including neurologists and spine surgeons, based on the patient's specific type of SMA, age, curvature progression, and functional status.

Key Highlights

    Stabilizes the spine to prevent further curvature progression.Can improve sitting balance and posture, enhancing comfort and independence.May help preserve or improve pulmonary function by allowing better chest expansion.Alleviates pain associated with severe spinal deformity.Can facilitate better positioning for daily activities and care.

Who is this surgery for?

  • Progressive, severe scoliosis (typically a Cobb angle >50 degrees) in a non-ambulatory SMA patient.
  • Spinal deformity causing significant pain that is unresponsive to conservative management.
  • Curvature leading to compromised pulmonary function or difficulty with sitting balance.
  • Progressive deformity in a growing child with SMA to prevent severe future complications.
  • Decision is typically made after a comprehensive evaluation by neurology, pulmonology, and orthopedic/spine surgery teams.

How to prepare

  • Comprehensive pre-operative assessment including pulmonary function tests, cardiac evaluation, and nutritional status review.
  • Detailed imaging of the spine (X-rays, CT, or MRI) to plan the surgical approach.
  • Optimization of respiratory health, which may include respiratory therapy.
  • Discussion of anesthesia risks specific to neuromuscular patients.
  • Pre-operative counseling for the patient and family regarding goals, risks, and the recovery process.

Risks & possible complications

  • General surgical risks: infection, bleeding, and adverse reaction to anesthesia.
  • Specific risks include neurological injury, which is a critical concern in SMA.
  • Pseudarthrosis (failure of the spinal bones to fuse).
  • Hardware failure or irritation.
  • Increased risk of respiratory complications post-operatively.
  • Blood loss requiring transfusion.
  • Persistent pain or need for further surgery.

Recovery & hospital stay

  • Initial recovery in the hospital, often in an ICU or step-down unit for close monitoring of respiratory status.
  • Pain management and careful mobilization with physical therapy assistance.
  • Use of a back brace may be recommended for support.
  • Gradual return to sitting and daily activities over several weeks to months.
  • Long-term follow-up with the surgical team for monitoring fusion and hardware.
  • Continued multidisciplinary care with neurology and rehabilitation services is essential.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 7-14 days
  • checked Expected recovery time: 3-6 months for initial recovery; full healing of fusion takes 6-12 months

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering spinal muscular atrophy in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.

Procedure cost in other countries

Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for spinal muscular atrophy compare across other countries where we have data.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India INR 400 Thousand – 1.2 Million 7-14 days ~ 3-6 months for initial recovery; full healing of fusion takes 6-12 months Know More
Turkey TRY 1.4 Million – 4.2 Million 7-14 days ~ 3-6 months for initial recovery; full healing of fusion takes 6-12 months Know More

Top hospitals for Spinal Muscular Atrophy in India

These partner hospitals in India have dedicated spine surgery teams and experience managing patients undergoing spinal muscular atrophy.

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91+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram

  • IconBangalore, India
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5990+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Rangapani

  • IconSiliguri, India
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10171+ Rating

Miot Hospital Chennai

  • IconChennai, India
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PATIENT REVIEW

Sneha Williams, a 28-year-old graphic designer...

Sneha Williams, a 28-year-old graphic designer and avid hiker, began noticing persistent lower back pain and a slight limp two years ago. Initially attributing it to long hours at her desk, her symptoms progressed to include leg weakness, foot drop, and occasional tripping. An MRI revealed spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) Type IV, with significant nerve root compression in her lumbar spine. Her neurologist and spine surgeon, Dr. Chen, recommended a lumbar laminectomy and spinal fusion to decompress the nerves and stabilize her spine, preventing further neurological decline. The minimally invasive surgery went smoothly, though the immediate post-op period was challenging with pain and mobility restrictions. After six months of dedicated physical therapy, Sneha regained significant strength and stability. Her limp is barely noticeable, and while she moderates her hiking, she's back to designing. Emotionally, she journeyed from fear of losing her independence and active lifestyle to profound gratitude and a renewed focus on her body's resilience.

Spine surgeons for Spinal Muscular Atrophy

Explore experienced spine surgeons who regularly perform spinal muscular atrophy and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.

Dr. Charanjit Singh Dhillon
  • 20 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Tamil, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 900
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Dhiyanesh Krishnamoorthy
  • 14 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 500
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Priyamvadha K
  • 15 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Bharat Sarkar
  • 14 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 500
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Vidyadhara S
  • 25 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Thomas J Kishen
  • 24 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Mohit Muttha
  • 12 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 550
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Kharadi, Pune

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Dhiyanesh Krishnamoorthy
  • 12 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Thomas J Kishen
  • 24 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1100
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Hebbal, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. SK Rajan
  • 25 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1500
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Artemis Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Mukesh Haritwal
  • 8 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1500
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Jaipur, Jaipur

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Abhishek Soni
  • 7 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Balamurugan Thirugnanam
  • 5 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Kasinath Swain
  • 11 Years Experience
  • Orthopedist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Anutosh Singh
  • 12 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Akash Mishra
  • 12 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Saikat Sarkar
  • 25 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1500
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Salt Lake, Kolkata

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Subhadip Mandal
  • 15 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1500
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Salt Lake, Kolkata

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Hamza Shaikh
  • 17 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 900
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Dwarka, Delhi

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Rahul Chaudhari
  • 19 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 900
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Baner, Pune

OPD-desk synced • Updated