Shazier update

I guess Shay had Spinal Cord Stabilization surgery last night.

 

Looks like they put some kind of device in his lumbar section that will keep the vertebrae decompressed

 

It sounds to me like they preformed a surgery to stabilize his spine, with, I can only assume, screws, rods and the like. Hopefully this was done to help his healing process after the swelling went down? We need a surgeon on this board. I wish they had given a little more information.

 

I had a fear when they stopped giving updates that some complication arose. That appears to be the case since they initially said no surgery would be required...though they qualified that statement with 'at this time'.

 

According to some google stuff I'm reading it sounds like a better option than fusing vertebrae and preserves mobility . Less invasive than fusing as well

 

Sounds like a procedure that should help speed his recovery.

 

The fact they won't say how much movement he has and now needing surgery. I doubt he ever plays again and that's fine, I just hope he can walk again and live a normal life.

 

It was a nice run but self inflicting headshot might of ended his career. Our defense suffers tremendously obviously, but he is but a man, and I just wish him the best.

 

Yeah, definitely a less invasive procedure and a quicker recovery than in the past. Let's hope this is all good news.

 

I imagine that the swelling took longer to recede that what was originally thought, thereafter further scans and MRI's revealed the actual damage thus the surgery. Him being airlifted yesterday as opposed to flying in a regular plane with normal air cabin pressure was very telling.
Can't see him playing football again but my hope is that he is able to walk and function without limitation or discomfort.
#Prayersfor50

 

Ugh

 

Those are pretty bold statements, considering he doesn't know exactly what the situation is. From what I've read, the surgery can be performed for a number of reasons.

And I think we all assumed Shazier would not be playing again this season, so that's not exactly earth shattering.

 

I had two-level spinal fusion (neck) surgery this summer. It was rougher than I expected. My neurosurgeon expects full return to activities (including high impact) within about a year. Who knows the specifics for Ryan, but I am really hoping for him to recover fully.

 

Amen!!

 

There's a doctor that writes the occasional article over on Steelersdepot. I'm sure she will chime in sooner or later with an article explaining as much as possible without actually being one of the attending physicians. Don't get me wrong she won't make any prognosis. Just this is why these things are done. Maybe how etc.

 

They initially said it would take at least 24-48 hours for the swelling to go down and they can do an accurate evaluation. He had stabilization surgery today to sure up the area of the injury. As for whether the information being released or not is the Steelers or the NFL, the answer is neither. It is first up to Ryan, HIPPA rules protect the release of patient information. I’m sure they all want to make sure what comes out is accurate and does not need changed. I share the feeling that outlook is not Rosie, but he is under great care and he will likely spend the next several months rehabing the injury. He will probably have to make some serious decisions about future play given the seriousness of this injury. I just hope he recovers and is able to regain all movement.

 

This sucks. Hope Shazier can play again. If not, I hope he can live life normally without any issues from the spinal injury.

Damn... looks like Steelers will be drafting ILB in the first round. That sucks.

 

Yes, Melanie Friedlander; she's quite helpful. Here is what she had to say about the Alessi comment:

Melanie Friedlander‏@Girlsurgeon 20m20 minutes ago

Melanie Friedlander Retweeted Michele Steele

This is the kind of speculation that makes me cringe. Dr. Alessi hasn't examined Ryan, seen his reports and Xrays, or received info about the surgical findings as far as I can tell.

 

Most all of us said we would be content with him living a healthy normal life again, and that was it, football could be over. I think that is what we are looking at, so, so be it.

I think there is a good chance he will walk and live a healthy life; I doubt if he will ever play again.

So, one more time, especially for the youth: See what you are tackling. Never use the crown of your helmet to tackle. Had RS had his head up, this would not have happened.

 

Until it comes from the Steelers and Steelers doctors don't believe anything.

Not all medical cases and procedures are the same from one to the next, let alone a doctor that isn't even working on the case, and is purely guessing from other case experiences. Could they be right? Sure. Could they be wrong. Absolutely.