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 USD 4,351 – USD 13,052 7-14 days ~ 3-6 months for initial recovery; full healing of fusion takes 6-12 months Know More
Turkey USD 32,210 – USD 96,630 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.

Manipal Hospital Rangapani

  • IconSiliguri, India
  • Icon13 Doctors

Miot Hospital Chennai

  • IconChennai, India
  • Icon250 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram

  • IconBangalore, India
  • Icon105 Doctors
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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. Sunny Kamat
  • 11 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Goa

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Amrithlal A Mascarenhas
  • 23 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Millers Road

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Ishwar Keerthi
  • 18 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus KMC Hospital Mangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Ajay Kumar S P
  • 11 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Varthur Road

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Arijit Chakraborty
  • 8 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Salt Lake

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Sourav Chatterjee
  • 11 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Dhakuria

OPD-desk synced • Updated