Doctors in Israel have performed a remarkable surgery to reattach a young boy’s head after a tragic car accident. 12-year-old Suleiman Hassan, a Palestinian who hails from the West Bank was riding his bicycle when he was hit by a car. The impact was so severe that it left young Suleiman with an internal decapitation, a devastating condition where the skull detaches from the top of the spine, yet the skin remains intact. This distressing condition occurs when the ligaments and muscles responsible for holding the skull in position on the top vertebra of the spine are forcefully torn apart due to a sudden, impactful blow to the head.
An Extremely Rare Occurrence
The severity of Suleiman’s condition became evident when doctors discovered that his head was nearly completely disconnected from the base of his neck. He was swiftly airlifted to the renowned Trauma Unit at Hadassah Ein Kerem in Jerusalem, where a group of skilled surgeons immediately sprang into action. The young boy’s head was hanging perilously, almost completely detached from the base of his neck, presenting an unprecedented challenge for the medical professionals involved.
Led by Dr. Ohad Einav, a well-respected surgeon, the intensive care team embarked on an arduous and intricate surgical procedure that lasted several hours. Injuries of this nature are treated by fusing the skull and spinal column together using rods, screws, plates, and possibly bone grafts. The success of such a delicate operation hinged on the preservation of the major blood vessels that supply vital blood flow to the brain. This task requires profound expertise and state-of-the-art technology.
Speaking on the surgery’s complexity and young Suleiman’s miraculous recovery, Dr. Einav said, “We fought for the boy’s life.” “The procedure itself is very complicated and took several hours. While in the operating room, we used new plates and fixations in the damaged area. Our ability to save the child was thanks to our knowledge and the most innovative technology in the operating room,” he added.
Miraculous Recovery
Following the surgery, Suleiman embarked on a challenging journey of rehabilitation, working to regain mobility and functionality in his neck. With immense dedication and the unwavering support of the medical staff, Suleiman made remarkable progress. Astonishingly, he displayed no neurological deficits or sensory or motor dysfunction, allowing him to walk unaided, a feat that seemed nearly impossible just a short time ago.
Although the remarkable outcome of Suleiman’s surgery was performed in early June, the Jerusalem hospital purposefully delayed the announcement of this remarkable achievement until a month later.
A New Lease on Life.
Suleiman’s father, who’d been a pillar of unwavering support throughout his son’s recovery, expressed profound gratitude to the doctors. “I will thank you all my life for saving my dear only son. Bless you all. “Thanks to you, he regained his life even when the odds were low and the danger was obvious. What saved him were professionalism, technology, and quick decision-making by the trauma and orthopedics team. All I can say is a big thank you.” He said. As Suleiman continues his recovery journey, donning a neck brace for added support, the vigilant doctors and staff at Hadassah Medical Center remain by his side, ensuring his progress is closely monitored.
Internal decapitations are an extremely rare occurrence. They account for less than one percent of spinal injuries. Statistics also reveal that internal decapitation is three times more prevalent in children compared to adults. They are usually fatal, with an alarming 70 percent of victims succumbing to their injuries either instantly or during transit to the hospital. However, the team of dedicated doctors in Israel refused to accept this bleak prognosis, as they embarked on the journey to save Suleiman’s life. Suleiman and his family are forever indebted to these medical professionals who defied the odds and restored their beloved son’s life.
