Thirteen-Year-Old Scoliosis Patient Undergoes Successful Spinal Surgery With Public Support

IPOH, Sept 17 — Thirteen-year-old scoliosis patient Arissa El Zahra Reduan is now on the road to a normal life after successfully undergoing a nine-hour corrective spinal surgery at Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun (HRPB) on Sept 8.

Her mother, 40-year-old Noorazlin Zulkifly, expressed her deep gratitude to the Ministry of Education (MOE), Yayasan Guru Tun Hussein Onn (YGTHO), and public donors who contributed financial assistance to cover the medical costs.

“I would like to thank everyone who contributed towards my daughter’s future. With everyone’s support, the surgery went smoothly,” Noorazlin told reporters at her family residence today.

The Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Bandar Baru Putra student was first diagnosed with scoliosis by an HRPB orthopaedic specialist at age 10, following medical examinations in June 2024.

Her father, Reduan Saad, 41, shared that the complex procedure took nearly nine hours due to the severe, multi-directional curvature of Arissa’s spine.

“The doctor informed us that the curvature of Arissa’s upper spine was at 70 degrees, while the lower section had reached 100 degrees and was also twisted,” Reduan explained. “Thankfully, after the nine-hour surgery which began at 8 am, the procedure to straighten her spine was completed safely.”

Medical specialists estimate that Arissa will require approximately two months to focus on movement exercises and adapt to her post-surgery condition, with expectations to return to school by November.

Arissa expressed relief that the operation was successful, admitting she felt nervous prior to entering the operating theatre before receiving encouragement from her teachers and schoolmates.

Looking ahead, Arissa voiced hope that her improved health will allow her to participate in school sports—particularly athletics and running events—which she was previously unable to enjoy due to severe back pain.

–NMT