Thaindian News

Mohali, May 9 (IANS) A road accident 12 years back had resulted in medical complications for Nigerian national Onyinye Anyichie Jacinta, 26, who could not move around without a walker. However, she is today looking forward to regaining her old life, thanks to a surgery by doctors here.

“I had come to India with big hope and I am happy that I got the right treatment here. I will return home with many profound memories,” Jacinta said here Monday.

According to doctors, Jacinta had an unusual hip condition known as ‘coxa valga’, and had difficulty walking as one of her legs began to lengthen.

“My left hip started developing arthritis and the affected limb was lengthened and I was subjected to bouts of intense pain and limping. Over the years, the pain increased and I consulted many doctors in Nigeria and abroad,” said Jacinta.

“Doctors advised me hip replacement, but I was unwilling. One of my relative discussed my case with doctors here and they suggested a corrective procedure. I had full confidence on Indian doctors and their technologies, so I packed my bags and came here for treatment without giving any second thought,” she said.

The doctors said the surgery posed unique problems.

“Doing the corrective procedure, 12 years after the injury, was a challenging task. We did hip osteotomy surgery last month and she is recovering very fast. She is already mobilised on walker and will recover fully in the next four-six months,” said Harinder Batth, a senior orthopaedic surgeon who operated upon Jacinta at a private hospital in Mohali, some 10 km from state capital Chandigarh.

“By undergoing this procedure, she was saved from hip replacement, which over the years would have required another surgery because of her young age. Now, both her legs are equal and she will have normal gait without any limp,” he added.