In Lviv, a 12-year-old girl suffering from severe scoliosis successfully underwent two complex surgeries, spending a total of 18 hours under anesthesia.

Thanks to these procedures, she has a chance to live pain-free and to walk independently, say the medical team from the Lviv Medical Union.

“When Vika was just 6 months old, her mother noticed her daughter’s spine curving. Genetic testing later revealed a rare condition known as Bethlem myopathy, which results in weak muscles and eventually leads to severe scoliosis,” the doctors explained.

As the years progressed, Vika's condition worsened: she suffered from continuous pain and shortness of breath, and could not remain seated for long periods. The spinal curvature reached 160 degrees. At home, she moved around with a walker, while at school, she used a wheelchair. Frequent hospitalizations became a part of her routine.

A team of doctors from Ukraine and the USA collaborated to assist the girl. They performed two complicated surgeries.

“To correct her scoliosis, we had to remove an entire vertebra. On the first day of surgery, we secured her spine with screws. Then, on the second day, we removed several ribs, protected the spinal cord, and inserted a titanium cage for spinal support. After that, we gradually corrected her condition alongside my colleague, neurophysiologist Megan Mallany,” shared American orthopedic surgeon Mark Dirzhka.

Despite the 18 hours under anesthesia and the need for two weeks of rehabilitation due to muscle weakness, the results were remarkable: Vika's spine was straightened by 85%.

“Her back has truly changed. There’s no more rib hump. She has grown taller. We are astonished! The doctors themselves said they achieved more than they expected,” said the girl’s mother.

Vika still faces a long rehabilitation process and further correction, but now she has hope that she will walk independently.

Earlier in Lviv, a soldier from the 80th Separate Air Assault Brigade, Roman Burevich, was rescued after suffering a spinal injury during the Kursk operation.