Mum bids to raise awareness of scoliosis in children

A 12-year-old Arbroath girl is recovering after undergoing extensive back surgery.

Amber Whamond had two titanium rods, eight screws and five hooks placed in her back in a successful operation to correct a 48-degree curve to her spine at the Royal Hospital for Sick Kids in Edinburgh.

Her mother Cherise wants to raise awareness of her condition, scoliosis, and is calling on parents to check their children’s spines.

The problem emerged when Amber complained she had hurt her back while competing in the high jump at an athletics competition in August.

When Cherise examined her daughter’s back she noticed that her spine was curving to the right.

An x-ray at Ninewells Hospital subsequently revealed the scoliosis was so pronounced she would require medical intervention.

“Surgery was the only option otherwise the spine would have continued to curve and start to crush Amber’s lungs and other organs,” said Cherise.

The four-hour op involved titanium rods being inserted down each side of Amber’s spine, secured with eight long screws into the vertebrae. Five hooks also secured the rods. The first year pupil also had bone grafts fused between the affected vertebrae.

Cherise said: “It’s a huge relief that the operation went well. She will get regular check-ups but the specialists are happy.”

Scoliosis often starts in children between the ages of 10 and 15.

Cherise is backing a petition to make scoliosis screening compulsory in all UK schools.

Crews were called out at 12.50am.