Dubai hiker determined to scale higher after a fall

Dubai: A Dubai-based hiker, who suffered multiple fractures after falling from a height of 6 metres while climbing indoors, is thankful she is alive and on the road to recovery.

Robina Gill, who works in the field of marketing, told Gulf News that the mishap occurred when she recently slipped while bouldering.

“I have a lot of experience in hiking and even scaled Mount Kilimanjaro last year. But oddly enough, I found myself slipping while bouldering indoors. When I realised what was happening at the height that I was from the ground, I tried to make an effort to land on my heels and save my spine.”

But she still suffered two compression fractures in the spine, besides multiple fractures in both her heels, she said.

Robina, who rushed to Emergency at one hospital, was subsequently brought to the Saudi German Hospital where doctors confirmed that she had suffered two heel bone fractures and a non-dislocated stable vertebral fracture.

“The fractures in the foot area are among the most difficult and complicated fractures as the heel bone has a big joint surface which is invariably involved,” said Dr Mohammed Awad, Consultant, Orthopedics, at the hospital.

With this surface crushed, the challenge of reconstruction lay before him and Robina had to undergo an open surgical procedure, with a high risk of post-operative wound healing disorder.

“I discussed the condition of the fracture with the patient and her husband and the necessary surgical treatment that she required,” he said. “Considering she was an active, atheletic 35-year-old, the goal was to ensure that she can return to her activities.”

Dr Awad sad he had to wait for the swelling in her legs to subside before operating upon her. After due preparation, the surgery was conducted to address both fractures at the same time.

“The right side was relatively more complicated than the left side and therefore we had to operate it with an open procedure. We went in for a minimally invasive procedure for the left side,” he said.

Robina, thankfully, responded well to the treatment and was put on physiotherapy a day after. The wounds too healed without any postoperative complications, and she was able to go home.

Robina, who has been advised rest for three months till she recuperates fully, said she has shelved her plans to go hiking in Aconcagua, Argentina, in January next year.

“It will take time for me to get back on track, but I am on the road to recovery now. I will hike again and scale higher soon,” she said.

She has one word of caution though for all hikers: To exercise caution at all times.

“I say this as someone who has regularly done hikes in different terrains – whether it’s in Ras Al Khaimah or Kenya,” she added.