A patient has thanked surgeon that changed her life using ground-breaking treatment.

Deanna Jones, 21, from Bushey, attended the Emergency Department more than 30 times in two months at Northwick Park Hospital.

The former healthcare assistant was born with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), a group of rare genetic condition that affects connective tissue.

Her jaw would become dislocated while eating, drinking or using her mouth, causing it to spasm and stay shut, leaving her unable to explain what was wrong.

She said: “It was incredibly painful and every time it happened I had to go to the Emergency Department. At one point it was happening every 36 hours.

Deanna was referred to Consultant Maxillofacial and Oral Surgeon Mr Manolis Heliotis in November last year.

In January, a 90-minute operation to remove a 7mm from the joint connecting the jawbone to the skull (the temporomandibular) was removed by Mr Heliotis.

Dr Heliotis said: “We knew the procedure would be a risk, but I am astounded at the outcome.

“Unfortunately there is no recognised treatment for Deanna’s condition. It was a very rare and complex case. I will probably see one or two cases like this every five years.”

Deanna said: “The operation has completely changed my life. I have had no jaw dislocations, no pain and I have not attended the Emergency Department since. I can’t believe what they achieved.

Deanna now hopes to pursue a career in medicine, possibly as a 999 dispatcher.

She added: I am very grateful for the care I have received and I want to use my experience to be able to help others.”