Israeli Woman Suffers Severe Facial Injuries in Tel Aviv Surf Pool Accident

Michal Levi Gorlik, a 51-year-old El Al control center employee from Binyamina, sustained serious facial injuries during a surfing training session at a wave pool in Tel Aviv about ten days ago. Having taken up surfing two and a half years ago, Michal had become passionate about the sport, traveling internationally to surf and joining a mothers' surfing group. During the session, she fell from a wave and was struck in the face by her surfboard, which broke on impact. Michal described the incident: "The surfboard just flew at me. We collided face to face. The board broke, and so did I." She nearly lost consciousness and feared for her eye, which she felt was leaking fluid.

Michal was rushed by ambulance for medical evaluation, where a CT scan revealed two nasal fractures and a fracture in the eye socket. Due to swelling, immediate surgery was not possible. After initial treatment, she was discharged but later admitted to Hillel Yaffe Medical Center near her home for further care. Dr. Noa Barik, an ENT and head and neck surgeon at the hospital, explained that Michal underwent nasal fracture reconstruction once swelling subsided and is scheduled for additional surgery to repair the orbital fracture.

Dr. Barik emphasized the urgency of treating nasal injuries to prevent complications such as hematoma formation, which can cause cartilage necrosis and permanent nasal collapse. She advised immediate emergency care if symptoms like severe pain, breathing difficulty, nasal deformity, or clear nasal discharge occur. Orbital fractures require imaging and ophthalmologic evaluation to rule out muscle entrapment or eye displacement, which can cause double vision or sunken eyes. Complex or delayed cases may lead to lasting aesthetic issues or require further surgery.

Michal's case highlights the risks of surfing injuries and the importance of prompt medical attention for facial trauma. She continues her recovery with planned surgical interventions to restore function and appearance.