Particle.news
Download on the App Store
3 ARTICLES
·
last mo.

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.