11-Year-Old Girl Regains Hand Function in 2 Weeks After C6 Corpectomy for Spinal Tuberculosis
Patient's Initial Condition
Symptoms / Health Concerns
Neck pain with weakness of the intrinsic muscles of the right hand. She was unable to write in school and also had tingling and numbness in the right hand.
Diagnosis
Final Diagnosis
Pott's spine (spinal tuberculosis) at C6 vertebra
Tests / Scans / Investigations
X-rays, CT scan, MRI, and biopsy of tissue obtained during surgery
Treatment Details
C6 corpectomy with reconstruction using fibula strut grafting
Advanced Techniques Used
Reconstruction with fibula strut graft, with the bone graft harvested from the patient's own leg
Results & Recovery
Patient Improvements
Right hand function returned, with improvement in the weakness
Recovery Duration: Hand function regained within 2 weeks of surgery
Final Outcome
Successful recovery of hand function after a complex cervical spine surgery
Returned to Normal Activities: Yes
Case Highlights
What Makes This Case Unique
Such a small child (11 years old) had to undergo a complex cervical spine surgery. The bone graft was harvested from her own leg, and she regained her hand function.
Complex / Rare Factors
Yes. Pott's spine at the C6 level in a child, treated with corpectomy and fibula strut reconstruction.
Most Significant Benefit
Rapid recovery of right hand function within 2 weeks of surgery.
Conclusion
An 11-year-old girl with C6 Pott's spine presented with neck pain, right hand weakness and numbness. She underwent C6 corpectomy with fibula strut graft reconstruction and regained her hand function within 2 weeks of surgery. She has returned to normal activities. This case shows that timely diagnosis and appropriate surgical reconstruction can lead to an excellent neurological recovery, even in very young patients.