Ewa's story

Ewa Matuszyk was born with skeletal dysplasia, a growth condition which causes her bones to be shorter than normal.

Then at the age of just eight months old she was diagnosed with a curvature of the spine, so serious it was potentially fatal.

The two conditions caused Ewa, originally from Poland but now from North Lincolnshire, to suffer a lot pain as well as problems breathing, walking and sitting.

But the 12-year-old’s life is now being transformed, thanks to experts lead by the orthopaedic department at Children’s Hospital who have carried out complex surgery to strengthen Ewa’s spine and help her to breathe more easily.

Orthopaedic surgeon Lee Breakwell carefully researched the condition before carrying out a two stage operation to ease the curve in Ewa’s spine.

First he removed two bones and she was then placed in traction for three weeks to stretch her spine, before having a second operation to insert rods into her spine to straighten it out.

The operation, carried out in March 2008, has been successful and it has greatly improved Ewa’s quality of life and reduced the pain.

Ewa’s father Chris explains: “Ewa is friendly, always smiling girl, full of positive energy for everyone. She cannot normally bend her fingers, arms and legs, because she has problems with joints, and she must use special orthopedic equipment like wheelchers and special shoes.

“Since the operation her general health is much better then before. She can sit, breathing without any pain, after surgeons stabilized her bending spine.

“From our point of view, The Children's Hospital in Sheffield provides the highest quality of care. Friendly, professional personnel, making for a calm atmosphere. As parents we knew our child was in good hands. Everything was always clearly explained.

“Staff are friendly and very supportive at any time. You can 100 percent trust them. They have the highest rate of professionalism, supported by excellent equipment,” he added.