A teenage girl has had her life restored after she was given a complex spine operation by a robot surgical arm.

Surgeon’s at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital in Stanmore performed the first surgery in Europe with a Medtronic Manzor robot surgical arm conducting the operation.

The system allows surgeons to plan the surgery using 3D images and navigation software, with the robot arm then conducting the work.

Emma Mayamine, 14, from Edgware, was the first to receive the game changing operation.

She was just 10 years old when she was diagnosed with scoliosis, a medical condition in which the spine twists and curves to the side, with hers curved by 43 degrees.

The condition commonly affects people aged 10 to 15 and can get progressively worse with back pains and pressure on spinal nerves.

Ealing Times:

Emma (left) and her mother Lisa (right)

When growing up, Emma was given a back brace which she only could take off when in the shower.

But when she became 14, the condition continued.

Lisa, the mother of Emma said: “Emma hated wearing a brace every day.

“She had to wear it under her school uniform even on very hot days, and it would dig into her underarms and give her sores.

“Even though you couldn’t really tell that she was wearing it, as a teenager she understandably felt very self-conscious, so she was positive about the idea of surgery because she knew it might free her from the brace.”

The Manzor technology has been previously established in America, and the Stanmore hospital became the first to trial the technology in Europe.

While the surgery took place on November 12, 2019, this year became a transformational year for Emma as she returned to school in January and will later have the capability to take part in activities such as horse riding and trampolining.

Her mum added: “Every day she gets a little bit stronger.

“She’s already mentally strong, but now she’s getting physically strong. Once her spine is fully recovered, there’s nothing she won’t be able to do – she really is my hero.”