No, the doctors did not sew his head back on. This article may be of interest in case anyone encounters a severe C-spine injury.
The patient sustained an "internal decapitation," in which the skull was dislocated from the top of the spine; in this case there was no fracture of any bones. The takeaway lesson for first aiders is that in spite of the injury he was conscious and could move his arms and legs. He required skillful stabilization and helicopter transport to a Level I trauma center.
The mortality rate for this injury is 50-60%. The doctors fused the bones of the skull and upper spine, leaving the patient with limited range of motion, but still alive. It's a remarkable story.
The patient sustained an "internal decapitation," in which the skull was dislocated from the top of the spine; in this case there was no fracture of any bones. The takeaway lesson for first aiders is that in spite of the injury he was conscious and could move his arms and legs. He required skillful stabilization and helicopter transport to a Level I trauma center.
The mortality rate for this injury is 50-60%. The doctors fused the bones of the skull and upper spine, leaving the patient with limited range of motion, but still alive. It's a remarkable story.
'Decapitated' Boy Saved by Surgery Team
Dr F. Perry Wilson spoke with Dr Ohad Einav, the Israeli surgeon who repaired a boy's internal decapitation, the result of being struck by a car when riding his bike in the West Bank.
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