Bhubaneswar, Dec 11: AIIMS Bhubaneswar today celebrated a remarkable medical achievement by its Department of Orthopaedics. A 37-year-old man from Kendrapada, Biswa Bhushan Rout, who had suffered from Ankylosing Spondylitis for nearly two decades, received a new lease of life following three complex orthopaedic surgeries.

Rout’s condition had led to complete fusion of his spine and both hips, causing a severe, rigid deformity that left his trunk bent and immobile from neck to hips. His spine and thighs formed a nearly 150-degree angle, leaving his chin almost touching his thighs. This deformity severely impacted his daily life, making walking, sitting, and sleeping extremely difficult.

Due to the complexity and unpredictable surgical risks including the possibility of paraplegia, several hospitals across Odisha and other premier institutions in India were unable to undertake his case. His financial constraints further prevented access to high-end private healthcare.

The turning point came when he approached the Department of Orthopaedics at AIIMS Bhubaneswar, where Dr. Deepak Neradi accepted the challenge under the guidance of Dr. Bishnu Prasad Patro, Head of Department. Dr. Neradi and Dr. Gurudip Das successfully performed bilateral hip replacement and spinal deformity correction, using advanced equipment including Neuromonitoring, Bone Scalpel, High-Speed Burr, and Surgical Microscope. These resources were made available through the vision and leadership of Executive Director Dr. Ashutosh Biswas.

Executive Director Dr. Ashutosh Biswas visiting the patient congratulated the department and all stakeholders involved in the process. AIIMS Bhubaneswar continues to lead in Eastern India with world-class facilities and expertise to manage ultra-complex spinal and orthopaedic deformities. The Department of Orthopaedics remains committed to delivering advanced, patient care, said Dr. Biswas.

With dedicated support from the Anaesthesia team led by Dr. Satyajeet Mishra, Head of the Department of Anaesthesia, the surgery was completed without visible complications.

Today, the patient is able to sit, stand, walk, squat, and look straight ahead, marking a dramatic improvement in his quality of life and functional independence.

Such surgeries in private healthcare settings typically cost between ₹25 to ₹50 lakhs, but Rout underwent treatment free of cost under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.