Miraculous Surgery in Israel: Doctors Successfully Reattach 12-Year-Old’s Head After Severe Bicycle Accident

In a remarkable medical achievement, doctors in Israel have carried out an extraordinary and complex surgery on a 12-year-old boy who suffered a devastating accident. The incident occurred when Suleiman Hassan was hit by a car while riding his bicycle, resulting in a rare condition known as internal decapitation, where his skull detached from the top vertebrae of his spine. The extraordinary procedure to reattach his head to his neck has been described as nothing short of a “miracle.”

Following the accident, Hassan was immediately airlifted to Hadassah Medical Center, where he underwent emergency surgery. The medical team revealed that his head was almost entirely separated from the base of his neck, posing an immense challenge. Dr. Ohad Einav, the overseeing orthopaedic surgeon, explained that the operation involved several hours of intricate work, including the placement of new plates and fixations in the damaged area. He emphasized the crucial role played by their knowledge and state-of-the-art technology in saving the young boy’s life, adding that the medical team fought relentlessly throughout the procedure. Given the severity of his condition, Hassan’s chances of survival were initially estimated at only 50 percent.

Although the surgery took place last month, the medical team chose to make the remarkable results public in July. Hassan has recently been discharged from the hospital, wearing a cervical splint, and his recovery will continue to be closely monitored.

Dr. Einav expressed his astonishment at the outcome, stating that it was no small feat for a child who underwent such a lengthy and challenging process to exhibit no neurological deficits or sensory or motor dysfunction. He further emphasized the rarity of the surgery, highlighting the specialized expertise required, especially when operating on children and teenagers. The surgeon stressed the significance of knowledge, experience, and skill in performing such a complex procedure, given the anatomical differences between adults and children.

Throughout the entire ordeal, Hassan’s father remained unwavering in his support, never leaving his son’s side. He expressed profound gratitude to the hospital staff for saving his only son’s life, acknowledging their professionalism, technological advancements, and swift decision-making by the trauma and orthopaedics team. The father’s heartfelt appreciation serves as a testament to the incredible efforts and dedication of the medical staff involved in this extraordinary case.