Bengaluru, 19th June, 2025: In a rare and complex surgical feat, doctors at Narayana Health City, Bengaluru, have successfully reattached the foot of a 23-year-old woman, Pavithra, following a devastating road traffic accident (RTA) that resulted in a traumatic foot-level amputation.
The incident occurred on May 14th, when Pavithra was riding pillion with a family member on a two-wheeler and was involved in a collision that led to the complete severing of her foot. Demonstrating remarkable presence of mind, her family quickly retrieved and preserved the amputated limb in a clean, cool condition and rushed her to Narayana Health City within the critical golden window of six hours.
What followed was an intricate, high-stakes surgical procedure led by Dr. Ravi D R, Consultant Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, supported by a specialised trauma and microsurgical team. The surgery, which lasted several hours, involved meticulous repair of crushed bone, arteries, veins, nerves, and tendons to restore the limb’s viability.
“Foot re-implantation surgeries are extremely rare, especially in cases involving severe crush injuries,” said Dr. Ravi. “Most such injuries are considered unfit for reattachment. However, quick-thinking action by the patient’s family, combined with our team’s preparedness, surgical precision, coordinated care, and overall medical excellence, made this extraordinary outcome possible.”
This case is medically significant not only due to the complexity and rarity of foot re-implantation but also because it demonstrates the level of coordinated trauma care that is available in select advanced centres. To the team’s knowledge, this is the first such successful foot re-implantation performed at their unit since 2018.
Pavithra is currently recovering well under close observation, with early signs of success and the initiation of physiotherapy for rehabilitation. Her case underscores the importance of public awareness in post-amputation first aid—prompt transport, proper preservation of the limb, and immediate medical intervention, which can make the difference between permanent disability and functional recovery.
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