SHANGHAI, Aug. 3 -- A FIVE-YEAR-OLD girl suffering from cerebral palsy can now stand by herself and should be able to walk after several months of rehab, thanks to surgery conducted for free by doctors at Shanghai Shenjiang Hospital.

Chen Jiahui, who was born two months premature, suffered from leg contractures, a chronic shortening of muscles that is one of the most common and serious complications of cerebral palsy.

Prior to the surgery, the girl's legs were crossed like scissors and she couldn't move her feet properly.

The Hebei Province native was unable to stand, walk or use the toilet by herself.

"My daughter was weaker than other children upon delivery. She was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at the age one, when she couldn't stand like other children," said the girl's mom Li Zhongshu.

Chen was hospitalized last month and underwent surgery to lengthen leg muscles and fix her ankles on July 10.

"The surgery was very successful," said Dr Cao Mingjun, director of the hospital's orthopedics department and Chen's chief surgeon. "Chen can stand now. After three to four months of rehabilitation training, she should be able to walk by herself and take care of herself."

The girl said yesterday she was thrilled with the surgery and what it means for her life.

"I am so glad that I can stand and walk. Now I want to go to school," she said.

The surgery would normally cost 10,000 yuan (US$1,321) to 30,000 yuan, but the hospital provided it for free as Chen's family is very poor.

It is estimated there are 310,000 children under the age of six suffering from cerebral palsy in China.