Jammu, Oct 5: All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Jammu has successfully performed a complex atlantoaxial stabilization surgery on a high-risk patient from Kolkata suffering from atlantoaxial rotatory instability, marking another important milestone in the institute’s growing expertise in complex spine surgery.
The atlantoaxial joint, located between the first and second cervical vertebrae, is responsible for nearly half of the neck’s rotational movement. Instability at this level can lead to severe restriction of neck movements, spinal cord compression, progressive weakness, gait disturbances and other disabling neurological deficits, making timely diagnosis and specialized surgical management essential.
The patient, according to AIIMS Jammu spokesperson, is recovering well and showing encouraging neurological improvement following the procedure.
The patient had been experiencing progressive restriction of neck movements along with weakness of all four limbs and had previously sought treatment at multiple tertiary care centres across the country before presenting to AIIMS Jammu.
Detailed clinical evaluation and advanced radiological assessment by the Department of Orthopaedics confirmed a complex atlantoaxial rotatory instability requiring definitive surgical stabilization.
The surgery was successfully performed by Dr Tarsem Motten and Dr Rashid Anjum, Department of Orthopaedics, who carried out stabilization of the atlantoaxial junction to restore spinal stability, relieve neural compression and prevent further neurological deterioration.
“The procedure was uneventful and the patient is currently comfortable and improving steadily after surgery,” the doctors stated.
Dr Amit Thakur, Additional Professor and Officiating Head, Department of Orthopaedics, emphasised that upper cervical spine surgery required meticulous preoperative planning, precise instrumentation and a coordinated multidisciplinary approach because of the close proximity of the spinal cord, vertebral arteries, and vital neural structures. He also highlighted that the Department of Orthopaedics at AIIMS Jammu was regularly performing complex spine and spinal deformity surgeries, offering advanced treatment for challenging spinal disorders.
The case received specialised anaesthesia support from Dr Slomi Gupta and Dr Shruti Sharma, Department of Anaesthesia. Anaesthetic management in atlantoaxial instability requires careful airway planning, minimal cervical movement during intubation, and continuous neurological vigilance to ensure safe surgery.
Prof (Dr) Sanjeev Sinha, Executive Director and CEO, AIIMS Jammu, congratulated the multidisciplinary team and noted that the successful management of this technically demanding case reflected the institute’s expanding capability in advanced spine and craniovertebral junction surgery.
He emphasised that the availability of modern surgical technology, including intraoperative neuromonitoring and navigation, together with experienced multidisciplinary teams, was enabling AIIMS Jammu to deliver world-class complex spine care within the region.
“The successful outcome further strengthens the Department of Orthopaedics’ comprehensive spine services and reinforces AIIMS Jammu’s position as a referral centre for complex spine and spinal deformity surgery,” it was stated.
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