A recent WFAA story spotlighted 12-year-old Texas twins Knatalye and Adeline “Addy”, who underwent scoliosis surgeries at Scottish Rite for Children 11 years after surviving a complex 26-hour surgery to separate them as conjoined infants.
Born joined at the chest and abdomen and sharing several vital organs, the sisters underwent their separation surgery at just 10 months old. Their family says they were told at the time that they had about a 20% chance of survival.
More than a decade later, both sisters faced another major medical challenge: severe scoliosis. Brandon A. Ramo, M.D., a Scottish Rite for Children pediatric orthopedic surgeon, performed the surgeries one week apart in April.
Addy’s scoliosis was particularly severe, with her spine pressing against her ribs and limiting the space available for her lungs. Ramo explained the magnitude of her condition, noting that the angle of her scoliosis was roughly double that of her sister’s.
Both surgeries were successful, and the family hopes the procedures will improve the sisters’ quality of life as they grow. Ramo said the surgeries are ultimately about helping the twins in the years ahead: “I think what we’re doing is helping their future selves.”
To view the full story, click here.
