Steelers' Ryan Shazier has spinal stabilization surgery

[Iron Steeler]

PITTSBURGH -- Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier underwent spinal stabilization surgery after sustaining a severe back injury against the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday night.
The Steelers announced the surgery, which was performed Wednesday by team physicians David Okonkwo and Joseph Maroon, who has long been with the team and developed the ImPACT concussion testing program that the NFL has adopted.
The team offered no further updates on the matter.
Spinal stabilization surgery is done with the intent to stabilize the spine when there is some evidence of instability there, according to ESPN injury analyst, Stephania Bell. The procedure involves the insertion of some internal fixation, using hardware, to stabilize a segment of the spine, which presumably gives a person the best opportunity to allow the neurological recovery to continue.



http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/21702126/pittsburgh-steelers-linebacker-ryan-shazier-undergoes-spinal-stabilization-surgery-wednesday-night-team-announced-thursday

[st33lersguy]

This truly is awful. Prayers

[Iron Steeler]

So sad. I really just want him to walk again, could care less if he plays another down for us.

[AtlantaDan]

Link to P-G article - IMO Keith Butler sums up what everyone is thinking

“I’m not worried about him playing for us again, I’m more worried about him,” defensive coordinator Keith Butler said Thursday. “Y’all have been updated as much as we have. The thing that we’re hopeful for and prayerful for is that he comes back and he’ll be OK. The football stuff is secondary. His life is a lot more important to me than football.”

http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/s...s/201712070165

[DesertSteel]

I guess the world doesn't revolve around my football fandom, after all... Prayers for Ryan to get better. God always has a plan.

[Hawkman]

Sounds like he is in really good hands. Keeping fingers crossed.

[ALLD]

He must have smashed a few discs. Definitely IR. He may not return because of it.

[stillers4me]

I hope he retires and enjoys his life and can run around the back yard with his kids. Even IF he is cleared to play, I can't imagine him playing his position with the same intensity that he has been doing. His family needs him more than we do.

[Hawkman]

I hope he retires and enjoys his life and can run around the back yard with his kids. Even IF he is cleared to play, I can't imagine him playing his position with the same intensity that he has been doing. His family needs him more than we do.

That’s the truth. I’d be scared for him if he played again. There is no lower gear for him on the field.

[tube517]

Some of us older guys remember Darryl Stingley and later, Mike Utley.

It's just a scary thought and it's starting to sink in (alot) more after this update.

[Neversatisfied]

It's amazing how some hits in football look and sound so violent and guys are able to get up and walk off the field, the impact looked so ordinary. I hope and pray Ryan can recover.

[Hawkman]

It's amazing how some hits in football look and sound so violent and guys are able to get up and walk off the field, the impact looked so ordinary. I hope and pray Ryan can recover.

Seriously. I thought the hit on Brown in the end zone looked and sounded much more violent than the one Shazier had.

[Moose]

Prayer's to Ryan and his family for a full recovery, and for faith and strength to make it through this terrible time. Stay strong and know that ALL are praying for Ryan. God has a plan, just believe.

[Butch]

I don't know if he will ever play another down in football, but I am thankful for what he has given to this team. His presence will be missed, but there are far more pressing concerns right now. My prayers for Ryan and his family that he can over come this injury and lead a normal life.

[Psycho Ward 86]

he should retire right now, even if he eventually gets cleared for football someday. its just not worth it. live to see your children grow up on your own 2 legs Ryan

[Shoes]

he should retire right now, even if he eventually gets cleared for football someday. its just not worth it. live to see your children grow up on your own 2 legs Ryan

Agreed, his health and family are most important!

[RunNGun]

The hit didn't look out of the ordinary like mentioned. However, you have to wonder if all the hits he's given, as well as taken had something to do with it. He has a tendency to lead with his head more often than not. I actually noticed it with him more than any other Steelers player I've watched. Don't get me wrong, I'm not taking anything away from Shazier. He's an aggressive football player who got hurt doing what he does, and that is trying to deliver a blow with his head. All of those collisions must have finally taken its toll. Really hope 50 can recover to live his life to the fullest, whether that be on a football field or not.

[JimHarbaugh'ssoakedtissue]

Prayers for Ryan.

[fansince'76]

Really hoping he'll be able to simply walk again. Prayers to Ryan and his family.

[86WARD]

Sounds terrible. Hopefully he’s able to walk normal. Agree with the ones saying he should take care of himself and his family and retire. The selfish side of me wants to say nothing would make me happier to see him on the field next week, but he’s got to take care of himself and stay away from the game. Such an unfortunate and terrible injury...

[JayC]

he shouldn't play another down in the nfl again. im just hoping he can make a full recovery though and live normal life.

[DesertSteel]

We’re all saying he should retire but it’s his life. If he wants to come back and play because that’s his passion than good for him. If he retires then I pray he has peace. Either way I want him to be well.

[EzraTank]

This news sucks.

I really do think the NFL's days are numbered. This sport is just too violent.

[Lady Steel]

I hope he retires and enjoys his life and can run around the back yard with his kids. Even IF he is cleared to play, I can't imagine him playing his position with the same intensity that he has been doing. His family needs him more than we do.

This is the way I feel, as well. Prayers for Ryan for a full recovery and a lifetime of happiness with his family. God bless him.

[Born2Steel]

I DO care if Shazier plays again. I want for him to make a full recovery and be back out there blowing up offenses. I know that's a long way off and will depend on multiple factors to get back to that place. But that's what I want. I know Shaz wants that too, and that thought will be a big part of what drives him to continue to get better. Yes, one step at a time. First let's get back on our feet...

[AtlantaDan]

Any doctor providing a diagnosis without having access to the patient and their medical records obviously is flying blind, but I am posting this column by the San Diego ProFootballDoc in an attempt to forward some hopeful observations as reality seems to have become progressively worse since Monday night

Surgery not necessarily a setback for Ryan Shazier

The announcement Ryan Shazier had spinal stabilization surgery is not a surprise and does not mean a turn for the worse....

The necessity for the procedure indicates part of Shazier's spine was unstable and involved bone, ligament and/or disc disruption. This was always a possible cause for the spinal cord insult that resulted in at least temporary loss of feeling and movement in his legs....

The best-case scenario of a spinal cord concussion and early recovery are gone. Let’s hope for the next-best possibility of a great result from surgery and full neurologic recovery over the next 4-6 months.

http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/...207-story.html

[steelreserve]

I hope he retires and enjoys his life and can run around the back yard with his kids. Even IF he is cleared to play, I can't imagine him playing his position with the same intensity that he has been doing. His family needs him more than we do.

I think it would be better if he could chase his kids with 4.3 speed and lead the back yard in tackles. No need to let up just because you're not on an NFL field.

[Craic]

Any doctor providing a diagnosis without having access to the patient and their medical records obviously is flying blind, but I am posting this column by the San Diego ProFootballDoc in an attempt to forward some hopeful observations as reality seems to have become progressively worse since Monday night

Surgery not necessarily a setback for Ryan Shazier

The announcement Ryan Shazier had spinal stabilization surgery is not a surprise and does not mean a turn for the worse....

The necessity for the procedure indicates part of Shazier's spine was unstable and involved bone, ligament and/or disc disruption. This was always a possible cause for the spinal cord insult that resulted in at least temporary loss of feeling and movement in his legs....

The best-case scenario of a spinal cord concussion and early recovery are gone. Let’s hope for the next-best possibility of a great result from surgery and full neurologic recovery over the next 4-6 months.

http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/...207-story.html

Thanks. I don't consider that a diagnosis. It's simply an expert passing on general information on the process of dealing with these types of injuries. So, it makes it an even better article IMO.

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I think it would be better if he could chase his kids with 4.3 speed and lead the back yard in tackles. No need to let up just because you're not on an NFL field.

Naa, the 4.3 speed won't be important until he's chasing young men escaping from his future daughter's window.

[steelreserve]

Naa, the 4.3 speed won't be important until he's chasing young men escaping from his future daughter's window.

Good to know his future daughter is apparently a huge ho.

[stillers4me]

- - - Updated - - -

I have not seen where the Steelers have officially put him on IR......did I miss that?