Particle.news
Download on the App Store
3 ARTICLES
·
2w ago

Megan King’s Skull Reattached to Spine After 37 Surgeries Following Rare Injury

The Illinois woman, who was 'internally decapitated' during a 2005 sports accident, now lives with a fused spine and uses her journey to raise awareness about her condition.

Megan King underwent more than 30 surgeries and was forced to spend over a year on crutches
Image

Overview

  • At age 16, Megan King suffered a catastrophic sports injury that resulted in her skull becoming internally detached from her spine, a rare condition known as atlanto-occipital dislocation.
  • Over two decades, King underwent 37 surgeries, including emergency procedures where her neurosurgeon manually stabilized her skull to prevent further detachment.
  • In 2015, she was diagnosed with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS), a genetic disorder affecting collagen and complicating her recovery.
  • Doctors successfully performed a spinal fusion, permanently attaching her skull to her spine, which has stabilized her condition but left her unable to move her head or spine.
  • Despite physical limitations, King has resumed daily activities, secured employment, and uses her social media platforms to promote awareness and positivity about her condition and journey.

Articles 3

Publisher Logo
mint2w
Can a decapitated head be reattached? Unthinkable achieved as woman’s spine detaches from skull after horrific accident
 Publisher Logo
NDTV
"Miracle": Doctors Reattach 'Decapitated' Woman's Head To Spine After Freak Injury
 Publisher Logo
Hindustan Times2w
US woman, ‘decapitated’ after injury, gets head ‘reattached’ after 37 surgeries

Quotes 4

Megan King
Survivor of a rare medical condition
“I flew my chair back to keep gravity from decapitating me. My neurosurgeon had to hold my skull in place with his hands. I couldn't stand. My right side was shaking uncontrollably.”
Recalling the terrifying moment during a medical procedure when her skull was nearly detached from her spine.
2 sources
Megan King
Patient who underwent multiple surgeries for a severe spinal injury
“I'm grateful for God, my body, my doctors, my family, my friends, my online community & more. I'm proud of all the hard work I put in to get to this point. God is so good.”
Expressing gratitude for the support and progress made despite her challenging medical journey.
NDTV
“I'm literally a human statue. My spine doesn't move at all. But that doesn't mean I've stopped living.”
Reflecting on her condition after undergoing extensive surgeries that fused her skull to her spine.
NDTV