Indonesian man's severe spinal tilt corrected by minimally invasive surgery in Taiwan

An 82-year-old Indonesian Chinese man, suffering from severe spinal curvature and associated pain, found relief through a specialized minimally invasive surgery in Taiwan. His condition had led to a significant stoop, forcing him to rely on a walker and endure excruciating pain even during sleep.

Previously, the patient had sought treatment in Indonesia, where doctors recommended extensive spinal fusion surgery. However, due to his advanced age and poor nutritional status, he feared the risks, including potential intensive care.

Discovering Yangming Hospital's minimally invasive spinal treatment online, his family initiated contact. After months of remote consultations, he traveled to Taiwan for the procedure, performed under local anesthesia by Dr. Li Kong-jia, vice president of Yangming Hospital. The surgery involved manual repositioning of the spine, followed by the injection of bone cement into degenerated intervertebral discs to restore stability.

Post-surgery, the patient experienced a marked improvement in his posture and a reduction in leg stiffness. He also underwent physical therapy to address joint contractures and improve his mobility. The patient reported unprecedented comfort during sleep, a stark contrast to his previous suffering. Dr. Li noted that while this minimally invasive technique offers benefits like smaller wounds and faster recovery for high-risk patients, it is not suitable for everyone and requires thorough evaluation.

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For the first time in years, I am experiencing comfortable sleep.