Delhi teen undergoes surgery after PUBG addiction leads to spinal damage

A teenager underwent critical surgery in Delhi due to a severe spinal deformity and partial paralysis caused by excessive PUBG gaming. Spending up to 12 hours daily gaming led to kypho-scoliotic deformity and spinal tuberculosis. The corrective surgery reversed paralysis, highlighting concerns about musculoskeletal issues from prolonged screen exposure in adolescents.
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A teenager underwent critical surgery at a private hospital after excessive PUBG gaming led to a severe spinal deformity and partial paralysis. The patient, who was brought to the hospital after experiencing difficulty walking and passing urine, had reportedly spent nearly a year isolated in his room, playing video games for up to 12 hours a day.According to a statement from the Indian Spinal Injuries Centre (ISIC) in New Delhi, this excessive gaming led to a significant "kypho-scoliotic spinal deformity"."This was a challenging case due to the dual complexity of advanced spinal TB and the psychosocial impact of gaming addiction . The spine had suffered significant deformity, compressed the cord, and threatened permanent disability," said Dr. Vikas Tandon, Chief of Spine Services at ISIC."We are seeing a disturbing trend of musculoskeletal complications in adolescents, especially due to prolonged screen exposure and sedentary habits linked to gaming," he added.The boy, according to the hospital, was also suffering from a range of issues including a loss of interest in physical activity and school, along with social withdrawal -- all linked to his prolonged isolation and gaming addiction.The doctors based on the symptoms concluded that he was suffering from "severe kypho-scoliotic deformity at the D11 and D12 vertebral levels due to spinal tuberculosis".A corrective surgery using advanced spinal navigation technology was eventually conducted to reverse paralysis and prevent long-term disability."The patient responded well as the surgery was successful," the hospital said in a statement.

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