In a medical triumph, surgeons at a Jerusalem hospital in Israel have achieved the remarkable feat of reattaching a boy’s head following a devastating car accident. Suleiman Hassan, a 12-year-old Palestinian from the West Bank, suffered a severe injury known as internal decapitation, where his skull became detached from the top vertebrae of his spine, a condition officially termed bilateral atlanto occipital joint dislocation.
The accident occurred when Hassan was hit by a car while riding his bike, leaving his head “almost completely detached from the base of his neck,” as described by the doctors at Hadassah Medical Center. Urgently admitted to the trauma unit, Hassan underwent a complex and lengthy surgery led by Dr. Ohad Einav, an orthopedic specialist.
The procedure, which lasted several hours, required the implementation of cutting-edge techniques, including the use of new plates and fixations in the damaged area. Dr. Einav attributed the success of the operation to the medical team’s expertise and the advanced technology available in the operating room. He expressed the team’s unwavering determination in fighting for the boy’s life, emphasizing that Hassan’s recovery is nothing short of a miracle.
Although the surgery took place in June, the hospital waited a month to announce the astounding results. Recently, Hassan was discharged from the hospital, equipped with a cervical splint to aid in his ongoing recovery. Dr. Einav highlighted the significance of Hassan’s progress, noting that he has displayed no neurological deficits, sensory impairments, or motor dysfunction. Remarkably, Hassan is functioning normally and walking without assistance, despite the challenging journey he has endured.
Hassan’s father, who stood by his son’s side throughout the recovery process, expressed profound gratitude to the medical staff, emphasizing their professionalism, quick decision-making, and effective use of technology. He recognized that their collective efforts saved his son’s life when the odds seemed insurmountable and the danger unmistakable.
Dr. Marc Siegel, a Clinical Professor of Medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center, explained that the success of this “amazing” surgery hinged on preserving blood flow to the brain, suggesting that major blood vessels likely remained intact. Dr. Einav underscored the rarity of such a procedure, particularly when performed on children and teenagers, as their larger head size makes them more susceptible to such injuries. He emphasized the importance of a surgeon’s knowledge and experience in undertaking such complex cases.
The story of Suleiman Hassan’s recovery serves as a testament to the skill, dedication, and cutting-edge medical advancements that contributed to this extraordinary surgical achievement. The successful reattachment of his head has brought hope and renewed faith in the power of modern medicine.