Many spine deformities can be cured if they are diagnosed on time and the fear about spine surgeries is not grounded in logic, a doctor said at a programme on Sunday which was attended by people who overcame spine deformities.
Saumyajit Basu, a spine surgeon and a managing trustee of Spine Research Foundation, said scoliosis, a condition marked by sideways curve of the spine, is a common occurrence and can be cured if diagnosed on time.
“Sometimes one may not even need surgery. Even those who need surgery can be cured completely if the condition is diagnosed and the operation done on time,” said Basu.
Sunday’s programme also celebrated 15 years of Spine Research Foundation, a non-profit charitable organisation that has helped over 250 individuals undergo spine surgery.
“What prompted us to form the foundation was a realisation that a good number of people could not afford spine surgeries. Who would look after them? What would happen to them?” said Trinanjan Sarangi, another trustee of the foundation.
The trustees said many patients with spine deformities are from poor families and some of the corrective procedures cost lakhs of rupees.
The foundation helps raise funds for such patients. “The doctors and many others involved in surgeries don’t charge anything but there are other bills that have to be paid,” said Sarangi.
The foundation, he said, aims to undertake 30 to 35 surgeries every year.
Among those present were Monojit Das from Kalyani and Atiqua Noor from Picnic Garden.
Monojit, 16, was born with scoliosis and underwent over 10 surgeries. The last one was performed in 2022.
“I could move around well (after the first few operations) and since the last surgery, I have been cycling as well. This is a new experience for me and I am enjoying it,” he said.
His father, who was once worried about his son’s growth, says he is proud that his son has grown taller than him.
Atiqua, 10, was born with congenital spine deformities that stopped her mobility. Three surgeries have put the girl back on her feet.
Inna Quaiser, too, was born with a congenital deformity. The 18-year-old from Darjeeling was first operated on when she was just two days old. She has undergone 14 surgeries since. The ever-present smile on her face is a bold assertion that nothing can prevent the gritty teenager from loving her life.