In a remarkable feat of surgical precision andteamwork, the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Vijaypur in Jammusuccessfully performed its first case of bilateral equinocavus deformitycorrection on a pediatric patient. The surgery, a significant achievement inthe field of Rehabilitation medicine was carried out by a dedicatedmultidisciplinary team under the visionary leadership of Prof (Dr) Shakti KumarGupta, Executive Director and CEO of AIIMS Jammu.
Theyoung patient, who had been diagnosed operated case of meningomyelocele withsevere bilateral equinocavus deformity coupled with fixed flexion deformitiesleft knee, faced significant challenges in mobility and quality of life. Thiscondition, characterized by an abnormally high arch of the foot and persistentdownward-pointing toes, had left the child struggling with standing, andlimited function. Addressing such complex deformities requires advancedsurgical intervention and exceptional coordination among specialists.
Procedure
Dr.Junis Ali, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Dr. Rashid Anjum,Department of Orthopaedics, and Dr. Parvez M. Dar, Department of Trauma andEmergency Medicine with their teams performed a series of procedures,including:
Ø Bilateral Z-Plasty of the AchillesTendon: This innovative technique lengthens the tendon to relieve tightness andimprove flexibility.
Ø Posterior Capsular Release: A criticalstep to enhance the range of motion by releasing the stiff posterior capsule inthe ankle joint.
Ø Plantar Fascia Release: Targeting thethickened band of tissue on the sole, this procedure alleviates tension andcorrects deformity.
Ø Fractional Release of Medial andLateral Hamstring Muscle Tendons: This delicate intervention ensures betteralignment of the lower limbs.
Thesurgery was performed with meticulous precision and lasted several hours.Post-operative care plans were designed to include intensive rehabilitationcare ensuring optimal recovery for the young patient.
Dr.Junis Ali said, "This case was unique as it required careful planning,coordination, and execution. We are proud to have successfully completed thiscomplex surgery and are optimistic about the patient’s improved quality of lifepost-recovery."
Dr.Rashid Anjum emphasized the importance of such cases in highlighting AIIMS Jammugrowing capabilities. "Orthopaedic deformities like this demand advancedsurgical expertise and collaboration among departments. This milestonedemonstrates our readiness to handle complex cases with cutting-edgetechniques.
Dr.Parvez M. Dar echoed these sentiments, adding, "This surgery is atestament to the world-class medical care available at AIIMS Vijaypur. Ourmultidisciplinary approach ensures the best possible outcomes forpatients."
LeadershipDriving Innovation:
Underthe dynamic leadership of Prof (Dr) Shakti Kumar Gupta, ED & CEO AIIMS Jammuhas been rapidly evolving into a hub of medical excellence in Jammu andKashmir. Dr. Gupta commended the surgical team for their dedication and skill."This achievement is a significant step forward in our mission to providestate-of-the-art healthcare to the region. I am proud of our team and confidentthat this is just the beginning of many more groundbreaking surgeries at AIIMS Jammu,"he remarked.
Dr.Gupta’s vision for AIIMS Jammu includes not only providing top-tier medicalcare but also fostering an environment for medical innovation and research. Thesuccess of this case underscores the institution’s commitment to thesegoals.
Hopefor Patients Across the Region:
Theyoung patient and their family expressed immense gratitude to the medical teamand AIIMS Jammu for their efforts. "We had almost given up hope of ourchild walking normally. AIIMS Jammu has given us a new ray of hope," saidthe child’s father, visibly emotional after the successful surgery.
Suchcases resonate with many families across Jammu and Kashmir who struggle to findadvanced medical care for rare and complex conditions. The success of thissurgery sends a powerful message of hope and reassurance that world-classhealthcare is now accessible within the region.
Withthis milestone, AIIMS Jammu has set a benchmark for future medical achievementsand underscored its role as a beacon of hope for patients and families in need.