Shanghai Daily news

Eight children with deformed spines will receive free surgeries from US experts next week under a charity program launched by an American foundation and the Shanghai Children's Medical Center.
The patients were hospitalized yesterday for a primary check-up. All were selected by doctors in Shanghai. Their families' financial condition and the severity of their disease were both factors in who was selected.
Tang Mengdi, a 12-year-old Jiangsu Province native, was one of those picked. Her spine is extremely disfigured at a 120 degree angle.
Her father said the syndrome appeared two years ago and her condition deteriorated quickly.
"We consulted with hospitals in Shanghai last year, but the cost of 100,000 yuan (US$12,048) is too expensive for our family," said Tang Zhibo, the girl's father.
He earns a living taking photographs of tourists in the city.
"We took her to the medical center soon after hearing about the charity surgery last month," he said.
The girl is thrilled about the operation. "I feel a sense of inferiority because of my spine and that I couldn't play with my friends. I hope I will be as healthy as others after the surgery," the girl said.
Doctors said the seven girls and one boy are from needy families and have serious deformed spines.
Dr Chen Bochang, director of the center's orthopedics department, said: "We appreciate the chance to help these children and cooperate with US experts. In addition to the free surgeries, the foreign experts will bring the latest technology to our hospital."
Local hospitals still use traditional methods by making a large incision on the back. While the West has introduced a minimally invasive approach and neuro-monitoring system to impose less harm to patients, Chen said.
Deformed spines occurs in 2 to 3 percent of youngsters between 10 and 14 years old.