About Torsion Dystonia
Key Highlights
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Addresses severe, medication-resistant muscle contractions and abnormal postures.Can significantly improve mobility, posture, and functional independence.Aims to prevent long-term joint contractures and skeletal deformities.Often part of a comprehensive, multidisciplinary care plan.Tailored to the specific type and distribution of dystonia in the child.
Who is this surgery for?
- Diagnosis of primary or secondary torsion dystonia (e.g., DYT1 gene mutation).
- Severe, disabling symptoms not adequately controlled with medications (e.g., anticholinergics, muscle relaxants) or botulinum toxin injections.
- Progressive deformity leading to pain, functional impairment, or risk of contractures.
- Significant interference with activities of daily living, walking, or sitting.
- Failure of conservative management including physical and occupational therapy.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive neurological and orthopedic evaluation to confirm diagnosis and surgical candidacy.
- Advanced imaging (MRI of brain/spine) and possibly genetic testing.
- Detailed pre-anesthetic check-up and blood tests.
- Multidisciplinary team consultation (neurologist, neurosurgeon, physiotherapist).
- Pre-operative physiotherapy to optimize muscle condition.
- Discussion with family about goals, expectations, and the recovery process.
Risks & possible complications
- General surgical risks: infection, bleeding, anesthesia complications.
- Neurological risks: weakness, sensory changes, or new movement abnormalities.
- Incomplete relief of dystonic symptoms or recurrence over time.
- Hardware-related issues (for procedures like deep brain stimulation).
- Need for additional procedures or adjustments.
- Risks associated with prolonged immobilization or rehabilitation.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial hospital stay for monitoring neurological status and pain management.
- Early mobilization with assistance from physiotherapists.
- Intensive, long-term physical and occupational therapy is crucial for maximizing outcomes.
- Gradual return to activities as guided by the medical team.
- Regular follow-up appointments to monitor progress and adjust treatment (e.g., stimulator settings).
- Family education and support for home-based exercises and care.
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Typical hospital stay: 5-10 days
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Expected recovery time: 6-12 months for full functional recovery
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering torsion dystonia in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Top-rated hospitals in India with pediatric orthopedics departments and experienced surgeons are ideal for this procedure. Use MediFyr to compare facilities, reviews, and doctor profiles before you decide.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform torsion dystonia. MediFyr helps you compare pediatric orthopedics 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 torsion dystonia compare across other countries where we have data.
Priya Ali is a bright 8-year-old...
Priya Ali is a bright 8-year-old girl who loves drawing and dancing. Her parents first noticed a slight inward twist in her right foot when she was 6, which they initially thought was a clumsy phase. Over two years, the twisting became more pronounced and painful, causing her to trip frequently and withdraw from her beloved dance classes. Her handwriting also became cramped and difficult. After seeing a pediatrician and a neurologist, she was diagnosed with idiopathic torsion dystonia affecting her right foot and hand. Her pediatric orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Mehta, recommended a selective peripheral denervation surgery, explaining it would carefully interrupt the overactive nerve signals causing the muscle spasms. Priya was scared of the 'big sleep' but the child-life specialist helped her understand with a doll. The surgery lasted three hours. Recovery involved two days in the hospital managing pain, followed by three weeks in a soft cast and intensive physical therapy to retrain her muscles. Six months post-op, the painful twisting is 90% resolved. She can walk smoothly and has returned to dance, though she still does daily stretches. Emotionally, she transformed from a frustrated, self-conscious child who hid her foot to a confident girl who proudly shows her 'special surgery scar' and draws pictures for her doctors.
Pediatric Orthopedics for Torsion Dystonia
Explore experienced pediatric orthopedics who regularly perform torsion dystonia and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 14 Years Experience
- Pediatric Orthopedics
Manipal Hospital Ghaziabad, Ghaziabad
- 23 Years Experience
- Pediatric Orthopedics
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Pediatric Orthopedics
Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata