Fall victim may be back on her feet in 10 days

A 19-year-old woman from Hubei who broke her back while trying to escape from a prostitution gang in Guangzhou may be able to stand unaided in 10 days, her doctor said yesterday after conducting an operation.

Head surgeon Li Guitao said Chen Deping was faring well and could be back on her feet in 10 days, sooner than early estimates.

Dr Li said Ms Chen's five-hour operation went smoothly and she left the operation room at 12.40pm. She was in the hospital's intensive care unit overnight and will be moved to a general ward today or tomorrow.

Dr Li said the surgical team had implanted some artificial bones and inserted four metal pins and three metal rods in Ms Chen's lumbar vertebrae to repair and support her damaged spine.

Mr Li said Ms Chen could check out and return home after she was able to stand up again, but suggested she stay in hospital for six weeks for a better recovery.

Ms Chen regained consciousness yesterday afternoon, but could not receive visitors.