IRISH WOMAN FIRST ADULT IN WORLD TO GET BIONIC SPINE
AN Irish woman has become the first adult in the world to receive a revolutionary REMOTE CONTROLLED 'ROBO SPINE', which uses magnets to combat the effects of scoliosis. Deirdre McDonnell, 34, from Drogheda, County Louth, can now stand tall for the first time after undergoing the pioneering MAGEC rod operation. The operation, also known as the magnetic expansion control system, involves the insertion of a magnetic rod that is screwed onto the spine and controlled externally in order to correct the curvature caused by scoliosis. Up until now, the £15K procedure has only been performed on children, as it was thought only to be effective for early onset scoliosis - typically diagnosed before the age of ten.
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OSCAR PISTORIUS MURDER TRIAL
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SHARK WHISPERER BALANCES SHARK IN HIS HAND
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I WON'T GO ANYWHERE WITHOUT MY STAB VEST, SAYS ATTACK VICTIM
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20ST WOMAN WITH 'BODY BLINDNESS' SHEDS 10ST LIKE DAWN FRENCH
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STRANDED POLAR BEAR
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UNUSUAL FRIENDSHIP
MAKING himself at home, this little snail perches happily on top of this frog's head .
WOMAN LOSES 11ST AFTER £11K GASTRIC SLEEVE OP
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STUNNING ENGLISH COUNTRYSIDE
LOCATIONS bursting with vibrant greens and chestnut browns, these photographs capture the peaceful English countryside in all its glory .