In a unique Lebanese initiative abroad, and through advanced and innovative medical work, Lebanese doctor Abdel Qader Al-Askar, a consultant in orthopedic and spinal surgery, successfully treated a very rare medical condition.
Details reveal that a 15-year-old child arrived at Okayama University Hospital in Japan suffering from sudden quadriplegia. After medical examination and necessary imaging, it was discovered that he had a dislocation of the second cervical vertebra, which had shifted towards the opening of the spinal cord at the base of the brain, a condition scientifically known as Basilar invagination. In most cases, this condition either results in complete lifelong paralysis or death.
Immediately, an emergency surgery was decided upon, using an innovative technique that lasted more than 4 hours in collaboration with a complete medical team. The cervical vertebra was repositioned and stabilized with the base of the skull, and the spinal cord opening was completely freed, utilizing what is known as the O-arm navigation system.
The child was saved and fully treated, and he was able to use and move all of his limbs without any significant complications the day after the surgery. This innovative technique was published in a scientific paper in top international scientific journals, bearing the name of Dr. Abdel Qader Al-Askar and the participating medical team members. Al-Askar is a Lebanese doctor from the Beqaa Valley, currently in Japan on a medical mission in the field of advanced spinal surgeries and treatment of back pain and disc issues, using the latest innovative techniques in this field.
