Dubai: After ten long years of battling debilitating neck pain, 48-year-old Indian national, Ms. Nisha Dennis from Abu Dhabi has found relief following a unique and intricate spine revision surgery at Medcare Hospital Sharjah. This pioneering procedure, performed by Dr. Bobby Jose, Specialist Neurosurgeon at Medcare Hospital Sharjah, not only alleviated severe spinal cord compression resulting from surplus bone and scar tissue but also demonstrated the hospital’s exceptional neurosurgical expertise, enhancing the UAE’s growing status as a hub for top-tier, multidisciplinary spine care.

Ms. Nisha had been suffering from devastating neck pain radiating into her left arm and upper back for over a decade. Despite extensive physiotherapy and medical treatments, her symptoms progressively worsened, becoming severe over the last three months with no relief from medication. She had previously undergone surgery to remove a damaged disc and fuse two bones in the middle of her neck, known as the C5 and C6 vertebrae. Recent scans showed that the new bone growth and scar tissue had built up around the areas between the C5–6 and C6–7 vertebrae, causing serious pressure on her spinal cord and nerves causing a real risk of paralysis. With her mobility and sleep deteriorating significantly, she sought expert care at Medcare Hospital in Sharjah. “Each day was a battle. Walking, sleeping, even simple chores became impossible. I felt completely hopeless and depressed” said Ms. Nisha, reflecting on her emotional and physical toll. 

Speaking about what made the case complicated medically, Dr. Bobby Jose said, “When she first came to me, she was in severe, radiating pain despite the maximum conservative treatments she had done. Dr. Bobby Jose characterized the condition as "remarkably uncommon and intricate," considering the difficulties involved in conducting a spinal revision a decade following the initial fusion. Dr. Bobby and his team had to extract earlier implants, perform drilling on the surface of the spinal cord, and remove part of the damaged bone, inserting an expandable cage to support the spine, allowing the bone to grow around for stability and thus preventing a potential paralysis. This case was very complex and unique because of the mix of the previously failed surgery, unusual bone growth and scarred tissue present. The procedure required an utmost degree of skill and carefulness," remarked Dr. Jose. 

The procedure lasted approximately five hours and involved a full multidisciplinary team, including neurosurgery, anaesthesia, radiology, neurophysiology, and postoperative physiotherapy.Ms. Nisha was mobilised just six hours after surgery and discharged 48 hours later with significant improvement. 

Commenting on the outcome, Dr. Jose noted, “Her recovery has been remarkable. She was able to resume normal activities within days, and her long-term prognosis is excellent. The use of an expandable fusion cage instead of traditional grafting offers greater stability, and she is now fully active, pain-free, and doing extremely well.”

Reflecting on her recovery, Ms. Nisha said, “Within the first few days, I could already feel the difference. The sharp pain that had been part of my life for so long had eased dramatically. I began walking confidently and felt stronger each day. The care I received made all the difference. This goes to show that even after a failed surgery and 10 years of intense pain, one can still get their life back with the right medical care”.

She continued, “Today, I feel like I’ve been given my life back. I can walk comfortably, do my household chores, spend time with family, and even travel short distances without fear. Emotionally and socially, I feel alive again. It is a blessing.”

Dr. Jose emphasized that advanced monitoring and skilled specialists are making even complex spine surgeries increasingly safe in the UAE. “With the right team and technology, patients can achieve outstanding outcomes,” he said, urging patients not to lose hope. Adding her perspective, Ms. Nisha shared, “My message to anyone suffering from chronic spinal pain is: please do notlose hope. With the right doctor and proper care, healing is truly possible. Trust the medical process, follow your doctor’s advice, and keep your faith strong. I am deeply grateful for this second chance at a pain-free life.”Today, Ms. Nisha continues to do exceptionally well, attending regular follow-ups and enjoying a full return to normal activity.