Israeli Surgeons Successfully Reattach Palestinian Boy's Head After Internal Decapitation

In a rare surgical feat, doctors at the Hadassah Medical Center in Israel have successfully reattached the head of a 12-year-old Palestinian boy, Suleiman Hassan, after an internal decapitation. This type of injury, which involves a dislocation between the base of the skull and the top of the spine while the skin remains intact, accounts for less than 1% of all spinal injuries.

The Accident and Immediate Response

Suleiman suffered this injury during a car accident in June. The sudden impact of the collision caused the muscles that hold the skull in place to tear, leading to his head being almost entirely detached from the base of his neck. He was immediately rushed to the hospital and underwent several hours of surgery to reattach his head.

The Surgical Procedure

Dr. Ohad Einav, one of the surgeons involved in the operation, said, "We fought for the boy's life." The procedure is only possible if the major blood vessels are still intact to maintain blood supply to the brain. In such cases, the injury is treated by fusing the skull and the spine using rods, screws, plates, and possibly bone grafts.

Rehabilitation and Recovery

Following the operation, Suleiman embarked on a rehabilitation journey aimed at regaining neck movement. His recovery has been progressing well, and he has not suffered any neurological defects from the accident. He also has no motor disorders and can walk independently.

Suleiman's father expressed his gratitude to the medical team, saying, "Thanks to you, he got his life back, even when the odds were small and the danger was clear. What saved him were professionalism, technology, and quick decision-making by the trauma and orthopedic team. I can only say: thank you very much."