🏐 Against the Odds: A Netball Champion’s Journey with Scoliosis

How a Young Athlete Overcame Severe Spinal Curvature, Major Surgery, and Academic Pressures to Rise Stronger

Written by Dr Lau Leok Lim
📍 Singapore
📅 17 January 2026
📧 drlauspineclinic@gmail.com

🔍 Introduction: When Scoliosis Meets Sporting Ambition

Primary Six is a pivotal year for students in Singapore. Between PSLE preparation and the demanding Direct School Admission (DSA) process, many young athletes face immense pressure. For Vera, a tall and naturally gifted netball player, this year brought an unexpected challenge — a diagnosis of severe adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS).

What followed was a journey marked by resilience, family support, expert care, and an unwavering passion for sport. This is her story.

📚 Understanding Scoliosis in Young Athletes

• Definition: A sideways spinal curvature measuring ≥10° Cobb angle
• Most common type: Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS)
• Risk factors: Growth spurts, genetics, rapid height changes
• Impact on athletes: Posture imbalance, fatigue, reduced stamina, altered biomechanics

📸 Early Signs: When a Simple Observation Changed Everything

By Primary Four, Vera had grown rapidly and stood head and shoulders above her peers — a natural advantage in netball. But just as everything seemed to be on track, her family noticed something subtle yet concerning: one of her shoulders sat higher than the other. What began as a casual observation led to a specialist assessment, which confirmed a diagnosis of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis of significant severity. Her spine was curving into an S‑shape, even reducing her expected height.

Treatment began with a rigid brace, typically prescribed for curves between 20° and 40°. It was her last chance to avoid surgery. But despite her best efforts, her competitive spirit kept her on the court longer than in the brace.

At her next review, the curve had progressed aggressively to 65°. She had just entered Primary Six.

“The news struck like a bolt from the blue — jeopardizing both her DSA hopes and her PSLE preparation.”

🖼️ Diagnostic Imaging

• Standing X-ray: Severe right thoracic curve measuring 65° Cobb
• MRI: No spinal cord abnormalities

🩺 The Surgical Decision: Choosing Health First

Surgery was inevitable — but the timing posed a dilemma. Operating before PSLE risked disrupting her studies and DSA chances. Delaying meant allowing the curve to worsen, increasing long‑term risks.

After a detailed consultation, her family made the courageous decision to prioritise health. At age 12, Vera underwent posterior spinal fusion with segmental instrumentation.

The surgical plan focused on:

• Precise level selection to stabilise and correct the curve
• Preservation of lumbar motion segments essential for athletic performance
• Intraoperative imaging to minimise fusion length

“Surgical correction wasn’t just about alignment — it was about preserving movement, confidence, and competitive edge.”

💪 Recovery: A Team Effort

Vera recovered faster than expected. She required fewer painkillers than most patients and was discharged just four days after surgery. Her parents celebrated every milestone, and her teachers rallied behind her with Zoom lessons and mailed homework.

Supported by her medical team, family, and school, she transitioned back to daily life smoothly.

🏐 Return to Sport: From Shooting Drills to Full Court

Three months after surgery — with medical clearance — Vera resumed training. She began with simple shooting drills, gradually progressing to full sessions. Her talent and determination impressed selectors, earning her a coveted DSA spot in netball.

At the same time, she excelled academically, topping her class in the PSLE and securing a place in the express stream.

“Surgery didn’t end her game — it gave her the strength to play it better.”

🏆 Final Outcome: A Triple Victory

With resilience as her backbone, Vera achieved what many thought impossible:

• ✔ Full recovery from severe scoliosis
• ✔ Academic excellence in PSLE
• ✔ A leading role in her school’s National School Games triumph

Today, she continues to train confidently with stable spinal alignment and no pain.

🧠 Treatment Options for Scoliosis in Athletes

• Conservative: Physiotherapy, bracing, curve monitoring
• Surgical: Posterior spinal fusion, segmental instrumentation, structured return‑to‑sport protocols

❓ FAQ

• Can athletes return to sport after scoliosis surgery?
  Many young athletes safely return to full participation after appropriate rehabilitation and medical guidance.
• Is surgery always required?
  No. Surgery is considered only when curves are significant or begin to affect function, comfort, or long‑term spinal health.
• Will spinal fusion limit movement?
  Not necessarily. Motion‑preserving options such as anterior vertebral body tethering (aVBT) may be suitable for selected patients. Even when fusion is recommended, careful selection of fusion levels can correct alignment while maintaining as much flexibility as possible.
• Is netball safe post‑surgery?
  With proper conditioning, technique, and medical clearance, many patients with scoliosis return to netball and other sports confidently. Always discuss individual readiness with your treating doctor.