Actor Saif Ali Khan’s swift recovery after surgery, which saw him walking confidently and smiling at well-wishers upon discharge, has sparked mixed reactions online. While many praised his resilience, some, including medical professionals, expressed skepticism over his speedy comeback.
Addressing these doubts, Bengaluru-based cardiologist Dr. Deepak Krishnamurthy provided insights into the actor’s recovery.
Taking to X, Dr. Krishnamurthy wrote, “For people doubting if Saif Ali Khan really had spine surgery (funnily, even some doctors!), let me remind you that recovery timelines can surprise you.”
He shared a personal example from 2022, showing his 78-year-old mother walking after spine surgery and a fractured foot. “A younger, fitter person like Saif can recover even faster,” he explained.
Medical experts noted that the stab injuries Saif sustained avoided critical areas like his spinal cord and nerves, preserving his leg strength. A precise surgical procedure, free from complications, coupled with Saif’s regular fitness routine, played a significant role in his rapid recovery.
Dr. Krishnamurthy highlighted how modern surgical techniques and fitness practices have transformed recovery. Referring to his mother’s complex spinal surgery, he shared that she was discharged within 24 hours and resumed walking almost immediately. In comparison, Saif’s cerebrospinal fluid leak repair was less severe, making his quick recovery expected.
Dismissing disbelief as ignorance, Dr. Krishnamurthy added, “Nowadays, patients walk and climb stairs just three or four days after cardiac bypass surgeries. It’s time to educate ourselves before proudly displaying ignorance on social media.”
He further urged skeptics, especially doctors, to seek better exposure and learn from advancements in the field, stating,
What Saif underwent was a cerebrospinal fluid leak repair, far less severe. Recovery at his age and fitness level is expected to be quicker,” he noted.
“For those questioning Saif’s recovery, especially doctors, all I can say is, get better exposure. Talk to experts, read up, and learn,”
he wrote.
Have a look:
For people doubting if Saif Ali Khan really had a spine surgery (funnily even some doctors!). This is a video of my mother from 2022 at the age of 78y, walking with a fractured foot in a cast and a spine surgery on the same evening when spine surgery was done. #MedTwitter. A… pic.twitter.com/VF2DoopTNL
— Dr Deepak Krishnamurthy (@DrDeepakKrishn1) January 22, 2025