Orford teen who had 53-degree spine curve bounces back after surgery

Sam Youd, 14, was on holiday with his family in 2021 when his family noticed for the first time that his spine was curved.

The Beamont Collegiate Academy student was then taken to see doctors by his family where he was diagnosed with scoliosis, and told he had a 53-degree spinal curvature that was twisting his ribcage.

Due to the fact that Sam, who was 11 at the time, had not gone through puberty yet, his family were told that the issue would continue to worsen as he got older, and that he could end up with a hunch back when he was older.

Sam was told he needed urgent spinal surgery to help correct the curve, which would insert two titanium rods into his back.

The procedure would then be followed by a 12-month recovery period, in which Sam, who plays for two different teams in the area, would not be able to play any contact sports.

“He lives and breathes football,” said Rob, Sam’s dad.

“We’re lucky with Sam because he’s so strong-minded, he was determined to get back to playing as quickly as possible.

“He was adamant it wasn’t going to change his life.”

Sam plays football for two different teams (Image: Supplied)

Sam agreed to have the surgery in 2022 and was informed by several specialists the risks of undergoing the procedure – which included potential paralysation.

Both of Sam’s teams, Newton-Le-Willows Pythons and Hawkley FC, as well as his older brother’s team came together to hold a match for Sam as a send-off.

“Both of his teams have been absolutely fantastic,” said Rob.

“The support we have had from both clubs has been absolutely amazing.”

One of the teams Sam plays for is the Newton-le-Willows Pythons (Image: Supplied)

In March 2023, Sam underwent spinal surgery, which took eight hours at Alder Hey and Sam’s parents waited at the hospital throughout.

“It was the longest eight hours of our lives,” said Rob.

“I wouldn’t put my worst enemy through it.”

While waiting for Sam, Rob decided to make an online support group for families going through scoliosis diagnoses’ and surgeries, which now has more than 50 members.

Sam was monitored by doctors every 30 minutes after his operation for 48 hours to make sure there were no complications, and got Sam stood and sat up the next day.

“We have a lot to thank Alder Hey for,” said Rob.

“They were harsh with him at times, but they did it for all the right reasons.

Sam underwent an eight hour surgery in Alder Hey Hospital (Image: Supplied)

During his recovery at Alder Hey, 30 of Sam’s teammates joined a zoom call to support him through it.

Six months after his surgery, Sam was allowed to run around again, but couldn’t play contact football – so he wore a different colour bib while practicing with his team so he didn’t get injured but could still be included.

Last month, Sam had the all clear from his doctors, one year after his surgery, and is already back playing with his teams.

Now he has healed, Sam’s surgery will no longer affect him, and he can return to being an active teenager once again.

“Not a lot of people realise what he went through,” said Rob.

“It’s been a difficult 12 months recovery, with its ups and downs, but his strength and determination to get back doing what he loves best has been an inspiration to us all.”