By CHESTER ROBARDS

Tribune Senior Reporter

crobards@tribunemedia.net

FOUR youths have recently had their lives changed thanks to a team of doctors.

This month, those children, stricken with severe cases of Scoliosis, had their spines realigned by doctors from the US and local Orthopaedic doctor, Valentine Grimes, at no expense.

The initiative was spearheaded by the Physically Challenged Children's Committee (PCCC), which assists young people in getting treatment for physically debilitating ailments.

Dr Grimes, who led the team of doctors and specialists, said the surgeries were successful. And he praised the skill and professionalism of the US doctors who assisted in the life changing procedures.

Dr Jim Malcolm, who led one of the surgical teams, said correcting the disfigured spine of a Scoliosis patient has a remarkable affect on them when they finally stand up again post-surgery.

He said many Scoliosis sufferers also suffer depression, low self-esteem and physical pain. Dr. Malcolm insisted that the work he and Dr Grimes performed on the four children will go a long way in improving their self perception and decreasing their pain.

Some of the children who were helped this month were living with 90 degree arcs in their spines, according to Dr Malcolm. X-ray images of at least one of the patients showed an unbelievable skewing of the spinal column.

After surgery, though, Dr Malcolm said patients can gain several inches in height, with a stronger more stabilized spine.

According to Dr Grimes, what strengthens and aligns the spines of those four children are state-of-the-art screws and fasteners, donated by Spine Wave - about $100,000 worth.

Spine Wave representative, Jay Wagner, said his company (only four-years-old) prides itself on positively impacting communities. He added that when invited to help the four children in the Bahamas, he personally approached his superiors to spearhead the charitable donation of equipment.

It was the first time the young company embarked on such a philanthropic endeavour, Mr Wagner said.

Neuromonitoring technology - new to the Bahamas - was also brought in to assist in the surgeries.

Anthony Williams and his team at Neuronexus brought in special equipment to ensure patients are safe and suffer no debilitating injuries while the spine is being shifted.

He said he and his company assisted in the surgeries as a way of giving back to the community.

"We all have been blessed," he said. "So, if you're blessed you have to bless others."

Mr Williams joked that their job in the Operating Room is "pretty much body guards", and they will be training several locals to perform the procedure.

Dr Grimes said he joined forces with the PCCC also to give back to his community. The one he grew up in.

He said it is difficult for him to see patients who cannot be helped because they cannot afford the surgery, which often costs upwards of $50,000.

Dr Grimes said it was through the work of the PCCC and David Benjamin at Crosslink, which connected all those involved, that he and his US team of physicians and specialist were able to assist those four children.

"We have the structure and resources (locally)," he said. "... so, I lean on my friends (in the US). Our mission is to better lives through innovative technologies."