Previously bedridden, 19-year-old Nigerian girl walks after two years

After undergoing a successful Total Hip Replacement (THR) and reconstruction surgery in Mumbai, 19-year-old Zinatu Umar from Nigeria took her first step in over two and a half years.

A fatal car accident in September 2016 left Zinatu left bedridden. She was rushed to a local hospital, where she underwent primary treatment for the injuries, which she sustained from her hips to her feet. Her femur was plated (bone extended from hip to the knee) and a grip was put in place to support the hip. She was subsequently discharged.

In 2017, Zinatu underwent another surgery. Local doctors had recommended a corrective procedure for her hip deformity, but her condition only worsened. Due to lack of technological advancements and expertise, doctors in Nigeria stated that her condition could not be fixed.

But Zinatu did not lose hope. With some online research, Zinatu and her family approached doctors in Mumbai, who showed promise. Zinatu underwent a surgery to reconstruct her hip and socket through grafting of the bone.

Speaking about her condition post surgery, Dr Kaushal Malhan, Senior Knee and Hip Surgeon at Fortis Hospital, Mulund, said, "The patient had not gone to school for over a year and was completely bedridden. She was looked after by her father and sister continuously. She is now able to walk using crutches. She has been put on medications and will soon return home, start going to school and continue with her further studies."

Total hip replacement and reconstructive surgery is a procedure where the damaged ball and socket of the hip joint are completely removed and are replaced with locally available bones. The entire surgery was conducted within 2.5 hours.

Speaking about the treatment, Zinatu Umar said, "I am unable to express how difficult this phase was for me. The pain has now disappeared and I look forward to walking normally like before. I will soon return to school and pursue my dream of becoming a doctor."