Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) patient Hanna Hartley has scoliosis and was one of the first Australians to have a Phenix Rod inserted to straighten her curved spine and allow her to grow.

Hanna, who also has spina bifida, a birth defect that damages the spine and spinal cord, has grown more than 8cm since the rod was inserted two years ago.

Royal Children’s Hospital orthopaedic unit deputy director Ian Torode said just a dozen Australians had so far had the rods in their backs.

Traditional rods prevented children from growing through their backs, but the Phenix Rod lengthened, allowing growth, Mr Torode said.

Last week Hanna celebrated her 12th birthday at the RCH.

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