After a sports accident in 2005, Megan King experienced serious joint and muscle problems. Ten years later, she was diagnosed with a rare genetic disease called hypermobile Ehler’s-Danlos syndrome. Megan King, who played in a football match at the age of 16 and crashed hard to the ground, underwent a total of 37 surgeries after the accident. The young woman injured her right ankle and spine during the incident, with the muscles in both shoulder blades also torn. Megan King had to live with crutches for more than a year, and her wounds worsened over time.
Despite numerous surgeries, doctors could not figure out why Megan King did not heal. However, ten years after the accident, it was determined that the young woman had been diagnosed with the rare genetic disease hypermobile Ehler’s-Danlos syndrome. This syndrome affects the body’s ability to produce collagen. Since collagen is a key building block of joint tissue, its deficiency or disorder can lead to muscle tears, joint dislocations, heart problems, internal bleeding, and many other health issues.
A year after the diagnosis, Megan’s neck slipped out and a metal device called a halo brace was screwed directly onto her skull to keep her head stable. However, this was not enough. When the device was removed, Megan’s skull was almost completely detached from her spine. This highly lethal condition is called atlanto-occipital dissociation or internal decapitation. Describing those moments as, “My neurosurgeon had to hold my skull with his hands. I couldn’t stand,” Megan King was immediately taken to the hospital. The young woman’s skull was reattached to her spine.
While spinal fusions are a common practice, only a small percentage of about 10% undergo such a comprehensive operation worldwide.
Despite the challenging process she went through, Megan King mentioned that she was slowly returning to her daily life and even recently played bowling.