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

We indicated this morning this was a possibility.

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 spinal column houses and protects the spinal cord. Disruption of the spinal canal is what puts the cord at risk. The most likely scenario is a burst fracture at the thoracolumbar spine where the vertebral body was compressed.


Emergency surgery was not needed, as the cord was not being actively compromised. But Wednesday night’s surgery was almost certainly to prevent future damage to the spinal cord.

It was likely a fusion surgery with rods, screws and/or metal cage with bone graft to fuse the unstable spine segment.

Although football is not at the forefront of anyone’s thoughts now, this surgery itself does not rule Shazier out from football in the future. But without a doubt he is done for the season. Fusion takes 4-6 months for recovery.

The key is still the spinal cord and nerves. Are they working or not? Is there feeling and movement? Has there been early progress? Progress is key.


Our first hope is that Shazier can lead a normal life.

If that happens, we can turn our attention to football questions.

(If he has full neurologic recovery, no congenital narrowing issues and is in a frame of mind to do so, a return is not ruled out by today’s announcement.)

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.