Lucknow – Doctors at Apollo Medics Super Speciality Hospital in Lucknow have given a new lease of life to a young man by performing a rare and complex surgery to open his jaw, which had been closed for 14 years. The patient, Aditya, from Sant Kabir Nagar, Uttar Pradesh, had been unable to eat solid food or speak properly since he was 5-6 years old due to a childhood injury. As a result, he had been relying solely on liquid food, which severely affected his growth and speech ability.
The challenging surgery was conducted by a team led by Dr. Sumit Malhotra, Director and Head of the Plastic, Cosmetic, and Reconstructive Surgery Department, and Dr. Saurabh Mohindru, Consultant Plastic Surgeon at the hospital.
Dr. Malhotra shared the details with the media, stating, “Aditya, a 19-year-old from Sant Kabir Nagar, had been living with a closed jaw for 14 years, unable to consume solid food and only surviving on liquid diets. This had a severe impact on his growth and speech. He had visited multiple hospitals, but none could provide satisfactory treatment. He was referred to our hospital’s Dental Sciences Department, where we discovered that a childhood injury had caused severe damage to his Temporal Mandible Joint (TMJ), resulting in a completely closed jaw. We then referred him to the Plastic Surgery Department, where our team used an advanced ‘muscle flap’ technique to treat the joint. This technique restored blood supply to the nerves and muscles, ensuring the jaw would not rejoin.”
This surgery, which is extremely rare in North India, is highly complex. Dr. Malhotra further explained, “Our technique ensured that Aditya’s jaw functioned normally and that there would be no future complications.”
Dr. Saurabh Mohindru added, “Post-surgery, the patient was able to eat solid food like roti for the first time in 14 years. His ability to open his mouth improved significantly, enhancing crucial functions like eating and speaking. This type of surgery requires teamwork, precision, and expertise, and we are delighted that we successfully restored Aditya’s normal life.”
Dr. Amita Agarwal, Head of the Dental Sciences Department, explained that recovery would involve 2-3 weeks of physiotherapy. “Initially, the patient may experience some discomfort or hesitation in opening the mouth, but with regular practice, flexibility and strength will fully return, and the jaw will function normally again.”
Dr. Mayank Somani, MD and CEO of Apollo Medics Super Speciality Hospital, remarked, “This surgery is not just a medical achievement but a transformative experience for the patient. It not only restored his functionality but also boosted his confidence, enabling him to live a normal life. The emotional moment when he tasted food for the first time after the surgery was an unforgettable one for him and his family. This case exemplifies our commitment to using new technologies in patient care and treatment.”
