Many times, we witness things that were once considered science fiction turning into scientific reality. This phenomenon is particularly prominent in the field of medical science, and we have an incredible story to share with you.
This remarkable story unfolds in the West Bank, Palestine. It centers around Suleiman Hassan, a 12-year-old boy who was riding his bike when he was struck by a car. His injury was what’s known as an “internal decapitation.”
Internal decapitation is an exceedingly rare condition, occurring in only about 1% of spinal injury cases. It involves the complete detachment of the skull from the spine while the skin remains intact. Typically, this results from a traumatic impact, such as being hit by a car, leading to the tearing of the muscles and ligaments that normally hold the skull in place.
Shockingly, seven out of ten people with this type of injury do not survive long enough to reach the hospital. However, young Suleiman was airlifted to Hadassah Ein Kerem’s Trauma Unit in Jerusalem.
Upon arrival at the hospital, he underwent a complex surgical procedure. His injuries were severe, with his head almost entirely detached, according to the doctors.
The medical team reattached the skull to the spinal column using screws, plates, and rods, and they even employed bone grafts, a less common practice.
One of the surgeons involved in the operation had recently completed a fellowship in Toronto, Canada. Another surgeon commented, saying, “We fought for the boy’s life. The procedure itself is very complicated and took several hours.”
He further explained, “While in the operating room, we used new plates and fixations in the damaged area,” emphasizing that their success in saving the child was due to their expertise and the state-of-the-art technology available in the operating room.
It took a period of rehabilitation before Suleiman could regain some movement in his neck. Although the treatment began in early June, the results were only announced upon his discharge, and doctors are continuing to monitor his recovery.
Throughout this challenging journey, Suleiman’s father remained steadfastly by his son’s side, expressing his profound gratitude, “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.”