90-Year-Old Patient Walks Pain-Free After successful Keyhole Spine Surgery

Mumbai: Doctors at Mumbai Spine Scoliosis & Disc Replacement Centre, Mumbai have successfully performed a keyhole spine surgery on a 90-year-old patient, who had been severely affected with chronic back pain. The elderly gentleman had been suffering from chronic back pain for over 18 months, which had been progressively worsening over the period and severely impacting his quality of life. After numerous non-surgical interventions failed to alleviate his pain, Dr. Kulkarni’s expertise in minimally invasive spine surgery provided a life-changing solution.

The 90-year-old patient presented with severe leg pain and an inability to walk. His symptoms, which began 18 months ago, had progressively worsened. MRI and radiographic imaging revealed severe nerve compression between the lumbar 4th and 5th vertebrae (L4-5), leading to a diagnosis of Lumbar Canal Stenosis, also known as Spinal Stenosis. Despite attempting various non-surgical treatments such as pain medication, physiotherapy, and acupuncture, the patient’s condition continued to deteriorate. He experienced tingling, numbness, heaviness, and loss of sensations in both legs while walking.

Explaining the case in detail, Dr. Arvind Kulkarni, Head Spinal Surgeon at Mumbai Spine Scoliosis & Disc Replacement Centre said “A minimally invasive micro-tubular decompression was performed using a keyhole approach, resulting in a pain-free postoperative outcome. He walked the same day and was discharged the next day with a waterproof dressing. Despite his hypertension, diabetes, past cardiac intervention, and chronic renal failure, the surgery was a huge success, showcasing the impact of minimally invasive spine surgery. Keyhole spine surgery offers numerous advantages, including minimal tissue damage, reduced postoperative pain, and faster recovery times. This technique allows patients to walk on the same day and be discharged quickly, even with complex medical histories. It significantly improves the quality of life by providing effective pain relief and preserving mobility.”

Given the patient’s advanced age and complex medical history—including hypertension, diabetes, past cardiac interventions, and chronic renal failure—the surgery posed significant challenges. Older patients are more vulnerable to surgical complications and slower recovery. However, Dr. Kulkarni and his team successfully performed a minimally invasive micro-tubular decompression using a keyhole approach. The patient had a pain-free postoperative outcome, was able to walk the same day, and was discharged the next day with a waterproof dressing, allowing him to bathe immediately.

Mumbai Spine Scoliosis & Disc Replacement Centre is a leading medical facility specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of spine disorders. The centre is renowned for its advanced surgical techniques, cutting-edge technology, and highly skilled medical professionals dedicated to improving patients’ quality of life.