It began with a young girl who could no longer walk. She was just nine years old, once active, bright, and full of energy, until a severe spinal infection left her paralyzed. Her parents consulted some of the most reputed hospitals across Delhi NCR. Despite multiple rounds of treatment, nothing worked. Each visit ended in disappointment, and gradually, hope began to fade. The fear of permanent paralysis loomed larger with every passing day.

Eventually, they sought another opinion at a different hospital with another doctor, and this time, something changed. It was Dr Jitesh Manghwani who turned what seemed impossible into a real possibility.

Dr Jitesh saw the case as more than just a complex medical issue. He saw the weight that child and her family were carrying, the helplessness, the exhaustion, the silent plea for one more chance. He took on the challenge, performed an intricate spinal surgery, and waited. What followed was nothing short of remarkable. She began to walk, returned to school and slipped back into her old routines, and today, she plays golf at the national level.

That single case didn’t just mark a medical success, it reshaped his calling. It was a turning point that made Dr Jitesh choose spine surgery not just as a specialty, but as a lifelong purpose.

The Surgeon Behind the Story

Dr Jitesh Manghwani is a leading orthopaedic and spine surgeon with over a decade of specialized experience in managing complex spine pathologies. After completing MBBS and MS Orthopedics from prestigious government institutions in Mumbai, he began his clinical journey as an Assistant Professor at KEM Hospital, Mumbai. He later moved to New Delhi, expanding his expertise while working at Maulana Azad Medical College, LNJP Hospital, and Fortis Hospital. He currently practices at the Indian Spinal Injuries Centre.

Over the years, Dr Jitesh has increasingly focused his practice on spine surgery, treating a broad spectrum of conditions including spinal fractures, disc herniations, infections, and tumors. He is recognized as one of India’s pioneers in robotic spine surgery and minimally invasive endoscopic procedures. As a certified proctor for robotic spine surgeries, he actively trains fellow surgeons and contributes to the development of global SOPs for robotic spinal procedures.

His contributions have earned him international recognitions. Most recently, he was the only Indian spine surgeon invited by the Singapore Spine Society to share his expertise in robotic techniques and to participate in high-level case discussions.

Guided by the belief that access to quality care shouldn’t depend on one’s financial condition, Dr Jitesh founded an NGO to offer free consultations and treatment to underprivileged patients. Each month, he attends to between 1,000 to 1,500 patients for free and so far, his initiative has touched the lives of over 20,000 individuals and continues to grow.

Patient-Centered Approach

Dr Jitesh Manghwani’s approach to spine care is fundamentally rooted in a strong

belief in teamwork and a patient-centric model. From the moment a patient walks in, the focus is on providing the best possible care through a collaborative, multi-disciplinary team.

Each patient undergoes a comprehensive process. This includes a detailed history, physical examination, and necessary investigations to arrive at a more complete understanding of the patient’s condition.

Once the diagnosis is established, the entire team comes together, whether it’s the neuro-urologist, cardiologist, rehabilitation team, nursing staff, or tissue care specialists, to craft a personalized treatment plan for each patient. “Teamwork is key”, says Dr Jitesh. “The best outcomes come when every specialist plays their part in the patient’s treatment journey”.

A good surgeon knows how to operate, a better one knows when to operate, but the best knows when not to

For Dr Jitesh, conservative management is always the first line of treatment. In many cases, patients respond well to non-surgical approaches such as medication and physiotherapy. However, when these methods fail to provide relief or if neurological deficits develop, surgical intervention becomes essential.

“Doing less is often doing more”, he adds, “and we strive to treat patients with the least invasive methods possible, ensuring they have the best chance for a full recovery”.

Multidisciplinary Network

Dr Jitesh Manghwani leads a robust and well-structured team dedicated to comprehensive spine care. In addition to working with two consultant surgeons, he actively mentors three to four fellows, qualified orthopedic or neurosurgeons pursuing advanced training in spine surgery. Each year, around ten fellows are trained under his guidance, supporting the clinical workflow through patient assessments, investi-gations, and inpatient care.

The extended team includes specialized nurses focused on bladder management, tissue care, and spinal rehabilitation, each contributing to specific aspects of recovery. A multidisciplinary network of physicians, intensivists, pulmonologists, and cardiologists ensures that high-risk or elderly patients are safely managed throughout their surgical journey.

Rehabilitation remains a cornerstone of the practice. Dedicated physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and psychologists work with patients who have partial or complete loss of mobility to help them regain independence. The focus is on enabling patients to return to meaningful, self-reliant lives.

Focused on Same-Day Mobilization

Dr Jitesh brings extensive expertise in advanced spine surgery, focusing on minimally invasive, robotic, and endoscopic techniques. The minimal blood loss, reduced post-operative pain, and faster recovery times associated with his approach significantly lower reliance on painkillers and shorten hospital stays.

Newer technologies, such as epidural stimulators, are also part of his practice. Though still evolving, their early outcomes have been encouraging, offering new possibilities for patients with complete spinal cord injuries. “This is a technology that truly excites me”, he shares. “It offers a glimmer of hope for helping those with severe injuries walk again”.

Technology for Safer Surgery

To ensure optimal safety and recovery, Dr Jitesh and his team follow a structured protocol known as Safe Spine Surgery. This approach integrates multiple advanced modalities designed to minimize risk and enhance surgical precision. One key component is intraoperative neuro-monitoring, where low-level electrical signals are passed through the patient’s body and responses are tracked in real time.

Additionally, O-arm navigation provides high-resolution, real-time 3D imaging, allowing surgeons to visualize and adapt their actions with pinpoint accuracy throughout the operation. Robotic assistance further elevates the level of precision enabling surgeons to operate even in delicate areas.

Spine surgery is constantly evolving, with significant advancements making procedures safer and more effective. Dr Jitesh is particularly hopeful that, with continued progress, patients who have suffered from paralysis may one day regain movement.

Awards

•Gold Medalist - MS Orthopaedics
•Gold Medalist - ASSI
•India’s Best Spine Surgeon Award - Radio City 2024
•Healthcare Leader Award - The Fortune Leadership Awards 2024