Kenyan girl receives lifesaving spinal surgery thanks to OrthoIndy, St. Vincent

A 12-year-old Kenyan girl is making remarkable progress in her recovery following an extensive, high-risk surgical procedure for a rare and severe form of scoliosis.

Salma Suleman and her guardian shared details with the public about her journey to the United States for the lifesaving procedure.  The young girl suffered from the rare condition since birth. 

Doctors said Suleman’s severe scoliosis caused lung compression and pulmonary hypertension, which is abnormally high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs.  Additionally, the condition caused Suleman’s spine to curve 170 degrees.

Surgeon David Schwatz, MD with OrthoIndy, operated on Suleman for 12 hours on Jan. 4.  During the procedure, Schwartz worked to remove some bone and realign her spine.  The surgery was a high-risk procedure, which could have resulted in paralysis and significant blood loss.


Suleman is recovering at the Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital.  A spokesperson said Suleman is regaining her strength and was able to walk down a hospital hallway.

The charitable surgery was made possible thought a partnership with the NuVasive Spine Foundation, Dr. Schwartz and the Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at St. Vincent.