The hospital claimed the success of the surgery -- rectifying the 42-degree distorted spine back into the vertical shape -- was the first of its kind in the city. When she checked into the hospital earlier this month, it was bending in an S-shape.

"I still feel a little bit uncomfortable as I was used to the way that my body was slanting to right," Tu said. "I think I am very fortunate that the surgery is successful. I was very nervous before the surgery."

The 6 1/2-hour operation was performed on July 2. Five rectifying titanium bolts were added into Tu's spine to pull back the distorted section.

After the surgery, her height increased from 1.64 meters to 1.66 meters.

Spine rectification surgery is highly risky and difficult because of its closeness to the nerve system, said Chen Bochang, director of the hospital's rectification department who led the surgery.

It can only be performed once and there is no possibility to correct an unsuccessful surgery, he explained.

In addition, over-rectification can do serious harm to the nerve system. Most surgeries are unable to rectify a bent spine to a vertical state. At present, most doctors are only able to rectify the spine by 60 to 70 percent.

According to the hospital, a lateral-bending spine is a common disease, occurring in about 10 percent of youngsters. People normally develop the problem at 10 to 12 years.

Most people needn't undergo surgery as bending is about 10 to 20 degrees and stops developing after the puberty period. About 1 percent of people receive surgery for serious bending and the possible threat to the nerve system, Chen said.

Tu's family sent the girl for examination after finding the bending problem became serious.

"The doctors said her condition was dangerous since the bending spine may hurt her nervous system and result in paralysis. We decided to take the risk and do the surgery," Tu's father said.

(Eastday.com July 15, 2003)