Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: Danat Al Emarat Women and Children’s Hospital, part of M42, has successfully performed complex spinal deformity correction surgery on a 14-year-old patient with severe neuromuscular kyphoscoliosis associated with cerebral palsy.
The patient had a rigid spinal deformity of approximately 120 degrees, severe pelvic obliquity, poor sitting balance and early pressure sores caused by costo-pelvic impingement. The condition posed risks to mobility, comfort and respiratory function and required highly specialised surgical and multidisciplinary care.
Dr. Summia Zaher, CEO of Danat Al Emarat Hospital, said:”As children’s healthcare continues to evolve, so must our ability to care for increasingly intricate conditions. This milestone reflects not only surgical excellence, but also the strength of bringing multiple specialties together to deliver truly integrated care. Our ambition is for families across the UAE to access world-class, integrated care closer to home, regardless of how complex a child’s condition may be.”
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The five-and-a-half-hour procedure was led by Dr Waleed Hekal, Consultant Pediatric Orthopedic and Spine Surgeon, alongside Dr Sandesh Lakkol, Consultant Spine Surgeon. The team used advanced intraoperative halo traction, continuous neuromonitoring, blood conservation techniques and three-dimensional correction methods to restore spinal alignment and pelvic balance while preserving neurological function.
The case was further complicated by osteopenia, rigid spinal curves and an implanted Baclofen pump used to manage severe muscle spasticity. The device was carefully preserved throughout the procedure.
Dr. Waleed Hekal, Consultant Pediatric Orthopedic and Spine Surgeon at Danat Al Emarat Hospital, said: “Severe neuromuscular spinal deformities are among the most challenging conditions we treat. In this case, the team was able to restore spinal alignment and pelvic balance through full correction of both the scoliosis and kyphosis. For the patient, this is expected to make a meaningful difference to posture, sitting balance, comfort, and overall quality of life, while also demonstrating the advanced orthopedic and spine capabilities available at Danat Al Emarat.”
Postoperative imaging confirmed full correction of the spinal deformity, with restored coronal and sagittal alignment, balanced pelvic positioning and a Cobb angle corrected to 0 degrees.
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The surgery involved specialists across pediatric orthopedics, spine surgery, anaesthesia, cardiology, pulmonology, neurology, intensive care and rehabilitation, highlighting the role of coordinated multidisciplinary care in managing complex pediatric spinal conditions.
The achievement adds to Danat Al Emarat’s specialised capabilities in pediatric and adolescent care and supports M42’s focus on expanding access to complex healthcare services in the UAE.
