30 July 2010
By Pallavi Mukherji
Mumbai, India
STANDING TALL: Abdul was afflicted with ankylosing spondylitis This disease generally affects people between 20 and 40 years of age. It occurs due to variations in the HLA–B27 gene. Although the disease is known to be common in the West, currently about 14 lakh people in India suffer from it. It is trailing right behind China that has about 16 lakh cases.
In Abdul’s case, his pelvic bone had fused with the femur one rendering him incapable of movement. Even anti–inflammatory drugs and painkillers did not give him relief.
Dr Ameet Pispati, an orthopaedic surgeon from Jaslok Hospital, said that X–Ray reports showed his condition was at an advanced stage and he would have to undergo hipresurfacing surgery on both hips. The entire procedure would cost up to Rs 5 lakh. The entire surgery was done using state–of–the–art Computer Assisted Technology that allowed correct shell placement with accuracy. The second hip was replaced five days after the first.
Abdul was able to walk within hours of the surgery and plans on clearing his Higher Secondary examinations soon. He will slowly resume his regular schedule and get on with daily activities just like any other teenager.
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