Hidden Glass Pieces in the Spine for 12 Years How Advanced 3D Imaging and Spine Surgery Ended a Woman’s Unexplained Back Pain by Dr Krishna Kumar R
For twelve long years, S.B. Manu, a Rationing Inspector at the Taluk Supply Office in Karunagappally, lived with severe, unexplained pain. A burning ache radiated through her back, neck, and shoulders, leaving her unable to sleep comfortably or handle routine daily tasks. Repeated visits to hospitals and numerous scans yielded no definitive diagnosis, leading some to suggest her pain might be psychosomatic. Despite the skepticism, Manu remained convinced that her pain was real and physical.
The Forgotten Inciden
t of 2014
t of 2014
The origins of her condition trace back to September 2014. While seven months pregnant, Manu suffered a sudden drop in blood pressure at a family wedding and collapsed onto a glass-topped table. Emergency treatment at a local hospital saved both Manu and her unborn child, and doctors extracted the visible glass fragments from her back.
Unbeknownst to the medical team or the family, three sharp glass shards and fine glass dust remained deeply embedded near her spine.
"When tests failed to show a cause for years, people began to think the pain was psychological. But my wife stood firm because she felt the razor-sharp physical pain every single day."
— Rajeev, Husband
The Turning Point and 3D CT Scan Discovery
When the pain worsened recently, an MRI scan at a hospital revealed a suspicious mass near her spine, raising concerns of a potential tumor. Seeking a second opinion, Manu’s husband, Rajeev, recalled his own successful spine treatment under Dr. R. Krishnakumar, Director of Spine & Scoliosis Surgery at VPS Lakeshore Hospital in Kochi.
Upon reviewing the MRI, Dr. Krishnakumar recognized that soft tissue imaging on standard MRIs could obscure non-metallic foreign objects located close to bone. He ordered a high-resolution 3D CT scan.
The 3D reconstruction revealed the true cause of her decade-long agony: three distinct glass fragments—including a triangular piece measuring nearly 3 cm by 2 cm—and microscopic glass dust lodged adjacent to her spine.
"When pain persists for years following a traumatic injury, thorough advanced imaging is critical. In cases of retained glass, routine scans or neck-focused evaluations can miss deeper tissue inclusions. 3D CT imaging allowed us to map the precise location of these sharp glass fragments adjacent to the spine and remove them safely."
— Dr. R. Krishnakumar, Director of Spine & Scoliosis Surgery
Surgical Extraction and Recovery
An emergency surgical procedure was conducted at VPS Lakeshore Hospital. Dr. Krishnakumar, supported by a team of radiologists and anesthesiologists, successfully extracted all three glass shards and the surrounding glass dust.
Upon waking from the procedure, Manu reported immediate relief from the severe pressure that had affected her for twelve years.
Key Insights for Managing Unexplained Pain
Trust Persistent Symptoms: Chronic physical pain warrants continued investigation even if initial routine tests appear normal.
Disclose Full Trauma History: Past accidents involving glass or metal should always be shared with medical providers, regardless of how many years have passed.
Utilize Appropriate Diagnostic Tools: Non-metallic objects like glass may not show up clearly on standard MRIs or X-rays; 3D CT scans provide density-based spatial accuracy.
Seek Specialized Evaluation: Complex or persistent spinal issues often require evaluation by dedicated spine specialists.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can glass shards remain inside the body for 12 years without causing infection?
Yes. Inert materials like glass can become encapsulated in fibrous scar tissue (a foreign body granuloma). While this process prevents acute bacterial infection, the physical object continues to irritate adjacent nerve endings and muscle tissue, resulting in chronic pain.
Why didn't an MRI scan clearly display the glass pieces earlier?
Glass lacks hydrogen atoms, meaning it does not produce a strong signal on MRI scans. Additionally, if pain radiates to adjacent areas such as the neck, earlier diagnostic attempts may have focused on the cervical spine rather than the specific thoracic or lumbar region where the shards were lodged. A 3D CT scan provides optimal density-based contrast for identifying glass.
Where was the surgery performed?
The surgical removal was performed at VPS Lakeshore Hospital in Kochi by Dr. R. Krishnakumar, Director of the Department of Spine and Scoliosis Surgery, along with the hospital's radiology and anesthesiology teams.
"Medically Reviewed by Dr. R. Krishnakumar, Director of Spine & Scoliosis Surgery, VPS Lakeshore Hospital, Kochi."
