Within a year, the boy's condition deterioriated and by the time he reached the hospital, he was unable to walk or even pass urine
A 19-year-old from New Delhi underwent complex back surgery after his addiction to playing mobile phones left him partially paralysed, with a bent spine. According to doctors, the teenager would be glued to his phone playing PUBG for more than 12 hours daily, remaining isolated from his family.
Over time, the boy developed a bent spine and began losing control over his bladder—important signs of the spinal cord crumbling under pressure. And so, within a year, the boy's condition—according to doctors, due to undiagnosed tuberculosis as well—deteriorated, and by the time he reached the hospital, he was unable to walk or even pass urine.
What did the doctors do?
According to experts at the Indian Spinal Injuries Centre, the boy had developed severe deformity in his spine - a dangerous condition known as kyphoscoliosis—a spinal deformity characterised by abnormal curvatures in both the front-to-back and coronal side-to-side planes of the spine.
His scans also revealed that tuberculosis had infected two spinal bones - D11 and D12 - leading to pus formation and pressure on his spinal cord. "This was a challenging case due to the double burden of advanced spinal TB and the impact of long-term gaming addiction," said Dr. Vikas Tandon, chief of spine services at ISIC.
How was the issue fixed?
To treat the condition, the doctors used advanced spinal navigation technology, which uses computer-assisted navigation systems that help guide surgeons in spinal procedures, enhancing precision and minimising risks. This modern technique also helps place screws and align the spine with high precision.
According to the doctors, the surgery decompressed the teenager's spinal cord and corrected its shape, thereby stabilising it with implants. Doctors say a few days after the surgery, there was a massive improvement in his condition as he began to show signs of recovery.
The boy's bladder began to work fine, which meant that there was no more pressure on his spinal cord.
Post-surgery rehabilitation
Doctors say after the surgery, the boy is now undergoing rehabilitation—including physiotherapy to strengthen his body along with counselling to address his gaming addiction. The boy's recovery is also being monitored closely to ensure he can return to a normal life—both physically and mentally.
What is kyphoscoliosis?
Experts say those with kyphoscoliosis have a spine that curves both to the side and forward or backward at the same time. While this condition can occur at any age, including birth, more than 80 per cent of the cases are idiopathic—which means they can happen without any condition.
Doctors say the symptoms of kyphoscoliosis vary; sometimes, those with the condition may only have an abnormal hunch or slouch. But in severe cases, there can be negative effects on the lungs and heart as well.
Signs and symptoms of kyphoscoliosis
While the most obvious physical symptom of kyphoscoliosis is a hunched or uneven back, this spinal condition comes with many other mild symptoms, including:
- Hunched back
- Uneven shoulder blades
- Arms or legs longer on one side
In more severe cases, kyphoscoliosis can affect the lungs, nerves, and other organs. More severe symptoms include:
- Disfigurement
- Back pain
- Trouble breathing
- Weakness or paralysis
- Stiffness
- Fatigue
- Decreased appetite
- Neurological issues
- Heart issues
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