In Israel, doctors performed a breathtaking surgery to save a boy’s life. This 12 year old Palestinian boy named Suleiman Hassan, from the West Bank, was biking when a car struck him. The hospital in Jerusalem declared this week that they had managed to rejoin his head to his spine after it was nearly separated in the accident.
The accident’s impact was so intense that it caused Suleiman’s skull to detach from his uppermost spinal bone, a rare medical situation known as bilateral atlanto occipital joint dislocation. He was swiftly transported to Hadassah Medical Center, where doctors immediately initiated the critical surgery.
Dr. Ohad Einav, an expert in orthopedic surgery, directed this complex operation. He noted that the lengthy surgery involved using novel metal plates and braces to mend the injured area of Suleiman’s neck.
The success of the operation was due to the medical team’s knowledge and use of cutting-edge technology, according to Dr. Einav. He shared that they were battling to save the boy’s life.
Following the operation, Dr. Einav and his team revealed that the chances for Suleiman to make it were only half. His recovery, however, has been remarkable and is seen as nothing less than a miracle.
Suleiman’s surgery happened in June, but the doctors decided to share the news after a month. Recently, he was allowed to leave the hospital wearing a cervical splint for support, and his progress will be closely watched.
Dr. Einav was amazed at how well Suleiman has been doing, expressing that his normal functioning and ability to walk unassisted after the surgery is impressive.
Suleiman’s father remained by his side throughout this challenging time, expressing his heartfelt gratitude to the hospital staff for their role in his son’s survival.
“Thanks to your dedicated work, my son has a new chance at life, even when things looked grim,” the father expressed.
Dr. Marc Siegel, a medicine professor, agreed that successful surgery resulted from professional expertise, advanced technology, and quick decisions. He pointed out that the crucial factor was ensuring the boy’s brain kept receiving blood supply.
However, Dr. Einav warned that such a surgery is not common and is especially difficult for children due to the size of their heads. “It requires deep knowledge and experience,” he added.