The Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) has achieved yet another milestone in healthcare by successfully performing three cervical spine disc replacements in just one week.

Orthopedics professor Dr. Surgeries performed by Vishal Kumar brought relief to patients suffering from degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM). DCM occurs when age-related osteoarthritic changes cause narrowing of the cervical spinal canal, leading to chronic spinal cord compression and resulting neurological disability.

The patients, a 57-year-old woman and two men aged 49 and 54, had complaints of difficulty walking, decreased hand grip, and neck pain radiating to the upper extremities. Following the surgeries, all patients reported that their pain had improved and that they were on the road to recovery.

Procedures involving replacement of cervical discs to restore normal function and flexibility of the spine have become possible thanks to government healthcare programs such as Ayushman Bharat.

While congratulating the surgeons, Dr Vivek Lal, director, PGIMER, said: “The team’s dedication and expertise has led to better outcomes for patients suffering from DCM. Their commitment to providing high-quality healthcare and pushing the boundaries of medical innovation, providing assistance to those in need and increasing mobility “It was effective in restoring it.”

Known for his expertise and innovative approaches in spine surgery, Dr Kumar was instrumental in the successful outcomes of these surgeries. His contributions to the field of spine surgery and his inventions have been recognized with many national awards and patents. To date, he has more than ten patents, copyrights, inventions, surgical approach definitions and procedures.