Saud Medical Center successfully performs a rare surgery to save a patient from a dislocated neck

A unique medical achievement in Riyadh

In a remarkable medical achievement, a specialized surgical team at King Saud Medical City, a member of the Riyadh Health Cluster 1, successfully saved the life of a patient suffering from a rare and extremely dangerous injury known medically as atlanto-occipital dislocation. This injury, which involves a complete separation between the base of the skull and the first vertebra of the cervical spine, is considered one of the most serious and fatal accident injuries, often leading to immediate death or catastrophic neurological complications.

Understanding the dangers of cervical cranioplasty

Cervical cranioplasty typically results from violent accidents involving sudden acceleration and deceleration of the head, such as high-speed car crashes or falls from great heights. The danger of this condition lies in the fact that it can tear the vital ligaments connecting the skull to the spine, potentially leading to spinal cord injury or damage to the brainstem, the area responsible for controlling essential functions like breathing and heartbeat. Global medical statistics indicate that the mortality rate before reaching a hospital ranges from 70% to 90%, making survival and access to treatment a significant achievement.

Delicate and urgent surgical intervention

Upon the patient's arrival at the emergency department, the spinal surgery team, led by Dr. Hani Nouran Al-Harbi and including a select group of specialist consultants, immediately assessed the case. After confirming the diagnosis through advanced imaging, the patient was promptly taken to the operating room for a complex and delicate surgery. The procedure involved meticulously realigning the head and neck, followed by fixation of the craniocervical junction using advanced medical plates and screws—a technique designed to restore mechanical stability to the area and protect sensitive neural structures. Thanks to God, the surgery was a complete success, contributing to the patient's stabilization and saving him from imminent complications.

King Saud Medical City's leading role

This medical success underscores King Saud Medical City's leading position as a referral center for complex and critical cases in the Kingdom. With its long history and highly qualified national expertise, the city plays a pivotal role in providing specialized healthcare services. This achievement is the latest in a series of successes that reflect the significant investment in the Saudi healthcare sector and aligns with the goals of Vision 2030, which aims to enhance the quality and efficiency of healthcare services provided to citizens and residents. The patient has passed the critical stage and has been transferred to the rehabilitation department to continue his treatment plan until full recovery.