Thanks to Turkish doctors, Juna Bakhtadze, who came from Georgia to Turkey for treatment of a scoliosis curvature, held on to life again. Associate Professor Dr. Samet Erinç, Orthopedics and Traumatology Specialist, said: "We determined that our patient’s scoliosis angle was approximately 110 degrees. This is a very rare curvature in society, reaching the surgical threshold seen in about 1 in 50 to 60 thousand cases. We operated on our patient in two sessions, for a total of 10–11 hours. Now she can continue her life in a very healthy way. Her walking improved; it was as if she returned to life. In such cases, early diagnosis is very important."

 

Georgian national Juna Bakhtadze, who had been living with a scoliosis curvature since around the age of 7, held on to life again thanks to Turkish physicians. The 26-year-old Juna, who had lived for about 19 years with a 110-degree curvature in her spine, came to Istanbul for treatment. After applying to IAU VM Medical Park Florya Hospital, Juna was taken to surgery following the examinations of Associate Professor Dr. Samet Erinç, Orthopedics and Traumatology Specialist. After the successful operation, Juna regained hope. Doç. Dr. Erinç stated: “Early diagnosis is very important in such cases. When Juna came to us, we detected a scoliosis angle of 110 degrees. Accordingly, we operated. In total, she remained in surgery for about 10–11 hours in two separate sessions. She is doing very well now; we foresee that she will be even better in 8–9 months.”

"We prefer to treat scoliosis cases in childhood"

Associate Professor Dr. Samet Erinç noted that Juna came from Georgia and said: “When our patient first applied to us, we determined that her scoliosis angle was about 110 degrees. The curvature especially affected the thoracic (back) region, and such an advanced scoliosis is quite rare (about 1 in 50–60 thousand). Juna had advanced-stage scoliosis. Normally, we prefer to treat scoliosis in childhood, when it is more controllable. Surgeries at that age are easier; in adulthood they are more difficult. Juna applied at 25–26 years of age. She had very advanced scoliosis and kyphosis. There was a visible curvature from the front and also a severe curvature from the side. If such patients are left untreated, before they reach their 40s the progression can compress internal organs and lead to complications related to heart and lung problems. Therefore, we decided to operate. Since this was advanced scoliosis, we corrected as much as safely possible to reduce risk and ensure better function later in life. Juna is very well now. We performed a two-stage surgery. The first 7–10 days were challenging for her and for us, but she is doing very well now and will return to her country. Because she is well, we are happy.”

"Children of parents with scoliosis have a higher likelihood of the disease"

Doç. Dr. Erinç continued: “Our patient applied about one month before, and we planned surgery thereafter. The post-operative hospital stay lasted 7–10 days. We operated immediately, had Juna stand and walk the next day. Pain relief and discharge took of course 7–10 days. At one month, she has basically returned to normal routine life. In such major surgeries there is a recovery period; we foresee that after about 8–9 months she will be able to do any sport she wishes. The total surgery duration was 10–11 hours, with one day in intensive care. Parents also have an important role. Especially when there is scoliosis in the family, the likelihood in children is somewhat higher. Families like Juna’s must be highly aware—watch the shoulders, scapulae, and alignment of the spine. If there is a problem, seek a physician without delay and follow treatment recommendations. If such cases reach adulthood and exceed certain angles—as in Juna—we operate. But in adulthood, because the curvature is greater and bone growth is complete, more extensive surgery is required.”

"Many patients with scoliosis live without noticing it"

“Curvatures of the spine above 10 degrees are broadly called scoliosis. A large proportion of patients live without noticing it; only rarely does it reach a visibly apparent degree. Surgical threshold generally means angles above 45–50 degrees. The very rare curvatures—about 1 in 50–60 thousand—that reach the surgical threshold are uncommon. In many others, the curvature is subtle and not obvious. It is essential to control how the curve behaves. Puberty is critical: with physical therapy and bracing (non-surgical treatments) we can intervene. If detected then, we may keep children from needing surgery, control the curve, even correct it somewhat and bring them to adulthood,” he concluded.

"For years I compared myself to Quasimodo; now I’ve risen from the ashes"

Sharing her experience, Juna Bakhtadze said: “Scoliosis was not just a diagnosis for me; it was a major challenge that began suddenly at age 7. I was young to have such intense emotions, but I still felt them. From that day on, I realized my life would be different from other children’s. I understood I wasn’t like others. While people at that age are beginning to understand their bodies and selves, I felt the weight of the diagnosis every day. I sometimes thought I wouldn’t be able to wear what I wanted or do the sports I dreamed of—even professionally. My physical health problem prevented me from meeting standards in some areas, and I couldn’t do many things I loved. This seriousness also affected relationships, because people sometimes judge you by supposed ‘flaws.’ I struggled with all these feelings. There were times I hated myself. I faced a harsh, unbearable reality. I compared myself to the novel character ‘Quasimodo.’ It felt like the collapse of my identity; I was a living dead. I was devastated in every way. But I managed to rise from the ashes. I was reborn within, rebuilt myself, and learned to love myself. Now my psychological state is strong, steady, and balanced.”

"I am now rediscovering and getting to know myself"

Bakhtadze added: “My family also suffered emotionally. They felt anger, confusion, and helplessness—just like me—because they had never encountered such a diagnosis before. But in the end, they found their inner strength and started helping me. I always knew surgery would change my life. It was all about building a better version of myself. Another important step forward was accepting that I would never be the same and that overcoming scoliosis through healing was the only path. From childhood to adulthood, my greatest goal was to beat this diagnosis. Before the surgeries, I had tried everything. My motivation to get better was so high that I was ready for anything—even a second operation or another urgent procedure. Now I am in a process of rediscovery and self-knowledge. I’m learning to live life on a new page. I no longer allow emotional imbalance deep in my heart to define my personality, mood, routine, or quality of life. One of the most important things I learned is self-acceptance, love, and respect. I have felt and learned the value of health and time much more deeply.”

"My sincere advice: never lose your faith"

“I believe every struggle has meaning,” she said. “Over 19 years of illness, I developed an incredible strength for patience. I learned what courage and devotion are; how to be reborn from ashes, transform, and win—even while living through a personal hell. My sincere advice: never lose your faith. It’s the one thing that can save you in any situation. Without faith, there is no victory over disease—no hope, no capacity to fight, no confidence to survive. Never wait for your condition to worsen. Be alert for your health—always on guard. Your body can speak; listen to it. Get timely and appropriate check-ups. The knowledge of Turkish doctors and the professional, high-level medical services in the hospital played a huge role in helping me overcome this process healthily. I thank them,” she concluded.