Eilish Mcloughlin very kindly introduced me to Professor Ahmet Alanay, an internationally recognised spinal consultant who has helped pioneer Vertebral Body Tethering (VBT). A less invasive operation than spinal fusion. He had successfully operated on her daughter Alice in 2017.
The interview was conducted over Skype. Professor Alanay is based at Acibadem Maslak Hospital in Turkey. I was apprehensive about the interview. Two things; would the Wifi hold up for the duration of the interview and was there going to be any language barrier? As it turned out my concerns on both fronts were unwarranted.
I also used this as an opportunity to contact Lee Breakwell a spinal consultant at Sheffield Children's Hospital. He was the expert contributor for Inside Health's episode on scoliosis in 2017, where he shared his opinion on VBT. He happily agreed to be interviewed and make a contribution to Back Story.
Professor Alanay on ITV, November 2020.
Lee Breakwell on Inside Health in 2017.
If you or anyone you know has been affected by scoliosis visit Scoliosis Association UK or call their helpline on 0208 964 1166 for support and advice.