Teenager's miracle spine operation to correct curve of 86 degrees.

It was the worst case consultants had seen and three specialists said operating was too risky as it could cause paralysis.

Student Mili Wood endured years of agony with a curve in her spine that hit 86 degrees. It was the worst case consultants had seen and three specialists said operating was too risky as it could cause paralysis or death. But against the odds, spinal surgeon Evan Davies, at Southampton ­Children’s Hospital, went ahead. Grateful Mili, 17, said: “This operation has changed my life for ever.” She was diagnosed with severe scoliosis of the spine and developed a lump on her back at the age of two.

Parents Julie and Brian, of Warrington, Cheshire, watched helplessly as she got worse and treatments failed. Mrs Wood, 43, said: “It was hell. She was bullied and endured terrible pain.” But they found Mr Davies who was prepared to operate and spent 10 hours inserting metal rods to straighten Mili’s spine.

Now she is four inches taller and off to college. Mr Davies said: “An op like this carries as high a risk as you can get. Mili’s went fantastically.”