Ground-breaking spinal surgery has been performed on a baby while still in the womb.

It’s hoped the surgery will help the child, who suffers from Spina Bifida, walk in later life.

The condition, where the lower part of the spine is open, affects around 1 in 2,000 pregnancies in Australia.

Dr Glenn Gardener, Director of Maternal Medicine at Brisbane’s Mater Hospital, told Ross and John the surgery was performed at 24 weeks gestation, and that the early intervention could make a huge difference to the child’s future.

He said the scalpel used in the surgery is smaller than a pin.

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