In a medical marvel that has stunned the world, doctors in Israel have accomplished the extraordinary feat of reattaching a 12-year-old boy's head to his neck following a devastating car accident.
The remarkable story unfolded at the renowned Hadassah Medical Center, as reported by The Times of Israel.
The young survivor, Suleiman Hassan, suffered from an extremely rare condition known as "internal decapitation," where his skull became detached from the top vertebrae of his spine. Medically referred to as bilateral atlanto occipital joint dislocation, this life-threatening injury posed an immense challenge for the medical team.
After the accident, Suleiman was swiftly airlifted to Hadassah Medical Center, where emergency surgery was performed. According to the attending doctors, his head was perilously close to being completely severed from the base of his neck.
Israel Doctors Reattach Boy's Head
Leading the intricate operation was Dr. Ohad Einav, an accomplished orthopaedic surgeon. He revealed that the procedure involved several hours of intense work, including the placement of 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," Dr. Einav expressed, emphasising the team's unyielding determination to fight for the boy's life. Astonishingly, the surgeons noted that Suleiman's survival defied the odds, as his chances of making it through the ordeal were estimated at a mere 50 percent.
While the surgery took place last month, the medical team only recently made the triumphant outcome public, sharing their incredible success with the world in July.
Suleiman has since been discharged from the hospital, equipped with a cervical splint to aid his ongoing recovery. The medical staff at Hadassah Medical Center will continue to closely monitor his progress.
Dr. Einav spoke with The Times of Israel, expressing his awe at Suleiman's remarkable recovery. "The fact that such a child has no neurological deficits or sensory or motor dysfunction and that he is functioning normally and walking without an aid after such a long process is no small thing," he remarked, underscoring the magnitude of the young boy's resilience.
Moreover, Dr. Einav highlighted the rarity and complexity of the surgical procedure, underscoring the need for highly specialised doctors to undertake such intricate operations. He explained, "This is not a common surgery at all, and especially not on children and teens. A surgeon needs knowledge and experience to do this."
Throughout the entire ordeal, Suleiman's father stood steadfastly by his son's side, never leaving him for a moment. Overwhelmed with gratitude, he expressed heartfelt appreciation to the hospital staff for saving his "only son."
"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 orthopaedics team. All I can say is a big thank you," he conveyed to the medical staff, as reported by The Times of Israel.
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