TWINS Katie and Abbie Varty have made hospital history after both undergoing surgery for scoliosis in the same week.

Their journey began two years ago when both girls were diagnosed with different types of scoliosis – a condition where the spine twists and curves to the side.

The sisters were referred to the James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, to see specialist spine paediatricians for back brace treatment.

Unfortunately, the different braces did not stop either of the girl’s curves progressing so they both had to be booked in for surgery – Katie on January 14 and Abbie, two days later. They were 14-years-old at the time of their operations.

Consultant spine surgeons Waleed Hekal and Zak Choudhury performed the surgery. Both girls recovered well, with support from their parents and specialist nurse Cheryl Honeyman, and they went home together on January 21.

After the surgery Katie had grown 4.5cm taller and Abbie had grown 2.5cm taller.

Katie, now 15, said: “To find out that we had scoliosis was a scary thing but to go through this with my twin made the whole journey easier.

"When we found out that we both had scoliosis was a very hard day, but after meeting Mr Hekal and Cheryl, they made us feel very reassured about the journey ahead of us."