Doctors in Israel reattached the head of a child who was hit by a car while riding his bike.
Suleiman Hassan, a twelve-year-old Palestinian from the West Bank, suffered an internal decapitation in which the base of the skull and the top of the spine became detached, but the skin remained intact, according to Mail Online.
According to doctors, Suleiman’s head was ‘nearly totally separated from the base of his neck.’ He underwent several hours of tedious surgery performed by an intensive care team.
Suleiman was riding his bike when he was hit by a car. He was evacuated to Jerusalem’s Hadassah Ein Kerem Trauma Unit and immediately placed under anaesthesia.
His injuries were repaired in early June, but the Jerusalem hospital did not release the results for another month.
The real incidence of internal decapitation is unknown because 70% of victims die instantaneously or while being transported to the hospital.
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‘We fought for the boy’s life,’ said Dr Ohad Einav, one of the surgeons who operated on the patient.
The surgery is only possible if major blood arteries remain intact because the blood supply to the brain must be preserved.
Dr Marc Siegel, Clinical Professor of Medicine and a practising physician at NYU Langone Medical Center, as well as a Fox News contributor, said the procedure was “amazing.”
Dr Einav said: “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.”
Following surgery, patients will undergo therapy to help them regain neck movement.
Suleiman was discharged with a cervical splint, and doctors will continue to monitor his recuperation.
He has no neurological abnormalities, sensory or motor impairment, and can walk without assistance.
Suleiman’s father, who did not leave his son’s bedside during his recovery, said: “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 orthopaedics team. All I can say is a big thank you.”