Irish woman worlds first adult to receive a bionic spine

WakeUp

Came across this story which I think is quite cool its going too or has the potential to change the lives of millions of people all around the world for the better.

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AN Irish woman has become the first adult in the world to receive a revolutionary robotic back bone, which uses magnets to combat the effects of scoliosis.

Deirdre McDonnell, 34, can now stand tall for the first time after undergoing the pioneering MAGEC rod operation.
The surgery, also known as the magnetic expansion control system, involves the insertion of a magnetic rod that is screwed onto the spine and controlled externally in order to correct the curvature caused by scoliosis.

Up until now, the £15K procedure has only been performed on children, as it was thought only to be effective for early onset scoliosis – typically diagnosed before the age of ten.
But thanks to the success of Deirdre’s operation, doctors are now hopeful that the bone implant will help other adults, many of whom have undergone a number of unsuccessful and painful invasive surgeries in an attempt to straighten and lengthen their spine.

Deirdre underwent her first operation at just six weeks old after she was diagnosed with congenital scoliosis, which affects one in 10,000 new-born babies.
Her spine was so malformed that doctors warned she wouldn’t live past the age of seven.
Over the next ten years, she underwent eight painful operations as doctors battled to save her life.

Although MAGEC rod technology has existed since 2011, doctors initially didn’t see it as an option for Deirdre as it had previously only been performed on children.
However, after running out of options, doctors decided to operate.

Tallaght Hospital in Dublin was able to secure funding from the Health Service Executive (HSE) and Deirdre underwent the three-hour operation in June last year.
Over the following months, her spine was straightened at regular intervals.
Consultant orthopaedic surgeon at Tallaght Hospital, Doctor Patrick Kiely, said: “This is a big step forward for us.
“The largest benefit of MAGEC rod technology is that it removes the need for repeat operations.
“With the rod, once the initial procedure has been carried out, the patient doesn’t have to undergo any more incisions. The spine is straightened externally using a remote control, which is painless and is performed without anaesthesia.
“This in turn minimises the risk of infection and limits the impact of the procedure on the patient.”

It is estimated that 273 million people worldwide suffer from the condition, including celebrities such as Elizabeth Taylor and Olympic runner Usain Bolt.
In the UK alone, approximately 45,000 children have scoliosis, with many having to undergo up to 20 corrective surgeries during their lifetime – at a massive £20K per procedure.

The MAGEC rod, which is manufactured in California by Ellipse Technologies, aims to not only change lives, but also cut costs by removing the need for repeat surgeries.
http://www.dailystar.co.uk/real-life/422467/Scoliosis-cure-robotic-spine?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+daily-star-living+%28Daily+Star+%3A%3A+Living+Feed%29

Really good story. well done to all involved the medical team in Tallaght and the woman herself. hopefully this will now benefit millions of other people around the world and change their lives too.

ballsymchugh

stories like this are just class.

WakeUp

ballsymchugh wrote: »

stories like this are just class.

the HSE and health services sometime take a hammering even though the people in the hospitals and that are doing the best that they can with the resources available. then something like this comes along that really could change the lives of millions of people around the world. some good news thats always to be welcomed.

MadsL

Funny how the Million Dollar Man sounds quite affordable these days.

coffeecup1980

This is me!!!

anncoates

Hopefully when she performs a movement with it, you hear the same sound as in the TV show.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-G0SVEQW8A

Banjo String

Bet her bathroom cabinet contents has been replaced from tweezers, exfoliation products and moisturising creams, for pliers, 13mm spanners, wire wool and wd40.

ftse100

Banjo String wrote: »

But her bathroom cabinet contents has been replaced from tweezers, exfoliation products and moisturising creams, for pliers, 13mm spanners, wire wool and wd40.

This made me laugh way too much :rolleyes:

Akrasia

Magnets, Is there anything they can't do?


Awesome story for everyone involved.

Custardpi

With the rod, once the initial procedure has been carried out, the patient doesn’t have to undergo any more incisions. The spine is straightened externally using a remote control, which is painless and is performed without anaesthesia.

Hopefully it won't get mixed up with the one for the telly, or get lost down the back of the sofa.

bb1234567

These stories make me so happy:)

eviltwin

I heart science. Its amazing isn't it what we can do now, what we will be able to do in the future.

mad muffin

MadsL wrote: »

Funny how the Million Dollar Man sounds quite affordable these days.

6 Million in the 70's

2016 6 Billion Dollar Man.

Boring username

Good for her, I don't think we fully realise just what a massive deal this is for the lady in question.

On another note, allow me to make an a totally obvious joke of a very low brow nature:

WHEN CAN WE ORDER A FEW FOR OUR POLITICIANS?

There, I said it.

westernfrenzy

Having had the normal corrective surgery for scoliosis 18 months ago, I hope that this new thing gets made available for more people. It really is a great thing to produce!

Delighted she was able to get that though. Modern science is amazing.