Archive · 11 Aug 2026
Ruskin Bond, 92, Reveals Spinal Surgery After Losing Leg Use
A very famous writer named Ruskin Bond is 92 years old.
He told people about a health problem he has.
A few months ago, he lost the ability to use his legs.
He was in pain and could not walk while he was in Mussoorie.
Doctors performed surgery on his spine, which is the bone that runs down your back.
The surgery went well, but he is still taking a long time to recover.
He says this is partly because of his age and partly because of the condition itself.
His eyesight has also gotten worse, so he can no longer read well.
Another doctor said older people with such problems should see a doctor quickly and do exercises to get stronger.
Ruskin Bond, 92, revealed that he lost the use of his legs a few months ago while he was in Mussoorie.
He underwent spinal surgery and said he recovered very well, though he is taking a long time to get back on his feet.
Bond attributed his slow recovery partly to his age and partly to the condition itself.
He also said his eyesight was not good enough to allow him to read.
Orthopaedic specialist Dr Gazanfar Patel said such mobility problems need early medical evaluation and structured rehabilitation in older adults.
- Who
- Ruskin Bond, the 92-year-old Dehradun-based children's author, who spoke about his health in a conversation with Humans of Bombay; orthopaedic specialist Dr Gazanfar Patel of Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central, also commented.
- What
- Bond lost the use of his legs and underwent spinal surgery, from which he recovered well but is still slow to get back on his feet.
- When
- The condition developed a few months ago; Bond spoke about it recently.
- Where
- The condition developed while Bond was in Mussoorie; Bond is based in Dehradun.
- Why
- According to Dr Patel, losing the ability to use the legs can occur when there is significant compression or damage involving the spinal cord or nerves, and Bond had spinal surgery to address the condition.
- Person
- Ruskin Bond, 92, author
- Condition
- Lost the use of his legs; developed a few months ago
- Treatment
- Spinal surgery; recovered well but slow to get back on feet
- Recovery factors
- Partly due to age, partly due to the condition
- Location
- Condition developed in Mussoorie; Bond based in Dehradun
- Other health issue
- Eyesight not good enough to read
- Source
- Conversation with Humans of Bombay
- Expert comment
- Dr Gazanfar Patel, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central