Amazing Israel - Doctors Cure Paralyzed 6-Year-Old Girl

Little Six-year-old Ruthie Rosenthal, who suffered from paralysis after she fell and injured her spine is walking again and has full use of her hands, thanks to some amazingly skilled Israeli surgeons and the Almighty (BH).

Ruthie, who has Down’s Syndrome, fell about a year ago. Complicated lumbar spinal fusion surgery was done which used screws to connect her skull and chest but the resulting pressure on her spine caused her to stop walking and she also lost the function of her hands.

Dr. Josh Schroder, a senior orthopedist at Hadassah Medical Center said, “Ruthie had a life-threatening condition when she came to Hadassah for treatment.”

“It was clear that she required immediate surgery. I contacted the head of the spinal surgery unit at Hadassah, Dr. Leon Kaplan, in order to draw up a plan for the complicated operation.”

The group of specialists decided on surgery in stages on the anterior and posterior areas of Ruthy’s neck, performed by Dr. Schroder, Dr. Leon Kaplan, Dr. Moni Benifla, a pediatric neurosurgeon, Dr. Menahem Gross, a pediatric ENT specialist and a group of senior anesthesiologists.

“The last time an operation like this was performed was by Prof. Kaplan himself, the only person who does such surgery in Israel,” said Dr. Schroder. “During the surgery we cut away the upper part of the spine and released the previous fusion in order to free the posterior vertebrae. We then performed a new fusion. Spinal surgery on such a narrow spine is very dangerous and sensitive and requires precise and meticulous work.”

Schroder says that “This is a very rare case. Only due to the capabilities of the multifaceted team we managed to find a solution. Ruthie is now walking and has even strengthened her walking at the Alyn rehabilitation hospital. Her hands function perfectly and she is proving that everything could now be possible for her.”

Ruthy’s father Pinny said that “We received a new child. I want to thank first and foremost the Creator of the World who guided the doctors, headed by Josh Schroder, to find a cure for our Ruthie.” He added that “They succeeded in doing the unthinkable.With G-d’s help and with the help of the doctors, my daughter is walking on her feet and that is an unforgettable experience for us.”

Amazing Israel…truly a Land of Miracles.