Danat Al Emarat completes complex correction of adolescent spinal deformity

Abu Dhabi’s Danat Al Emarat Women and Children's Hospital has carried out a technically demanding surgery to correct severe neuromuscular kyphoscoliosis in a 14‑year‑old patient.

Major paediatric spinal procedure performed in Abu Dhabi

Danat Al Emarat Women and Children’s Hospital, part of the M42 group in Abu Dhabi, has announced the successful surgical correction of a complex adolescent spinal deformity. The case underlines the hospital’s expanding capabilities in managing severe spinal conditions from the prenatal period through adolescence.

The patient, a 14‑year‑old with cerebral palsy, presented with rigid neuromuscular kyphoscoliosis measuring approximately 120 degrees. The deformity was accompanied by severe pelvic obliquity, poor sitting balance and early pressure sores caused by costo‑pelvic impingement. Without timely surgical intervention, such advanced deformities can continue to progress and further impair posture, respiratory function and long‑term health.

Surgical correction of neuromuscular spinal deformities is among the most demanding procedures in paediatric orthopaedics. It requires experienced spinal surgeons, meticulous preoperative planning and close coordination across a multidisciplinary team to address the spinal curvature, pelvic alignment and associated functional issues.

The operation at Danat Al Emarat restored spinal alignment and pelvic balance by achieving full correction of both the scoliosis and kyphosis. Clinicians expect the intervention to substantially improve the patient’s posture, sitting balance and comfort, reduce the risk of further pressure injuries, and enhance overall quality of life.

Dr. Waleed Hekal, Consultant Pediatric Orthopedic and Spine Surgeon at Danat Al Emarat Hospital, said, “Severe neuromuscular spinal deformities are among the most challenging conditions we treat. In this case, the team was able to restore spinal alignment and pelvic balance through full correction of both the scoliosis and kyphosis. For the patient, this is expected to make a meaningful difference to posture, sitting balance, comfort, and overall quality of life, while also demonstrating the advanced orthopedic and spine capabilities available at Danat Al Emarat.”

The hospital highlighted that addressing such complex cases locally reduces the need for families to seek treatment overseas and reflects investment in specialist paediatric orthopaedic services within Abu Dhabi. The case is presented as evidence of Danat Al Emarat’s capacity to manage high‑risk spinal conditions across every stage of care.

Source: WAM