Sep 12, 2007, 1:59 GMT
Buffalo, NY - Buffalo Bills tight end Kevin Everett is reportedly able to move his arms and legs after doctors treated a severe spinal injury that could have left him paralyzed.
According to WIVB News 4 Buffalo, Everett's doctors are optimistic following a four-hour operation performed Sunday night after the tight end suffered a fracture dislocation of the third and fourth cervical vertebrae in a season- opening 15-14 loss to Denver.
Dr. Andrew Cappuccino, the attending orthopaedic surgeon, said of Everett's surgery: 'The spinal cord was completely decompressed, and the spine was fixated from the back with four screws and two small rods. At that point in time, an intraoperative ultrasound or doppler study was performed to evaluate the cord, the covering of the cord and the cord itself were completely intact, and actually looked good.'
The surgery on Everett's spine was done in two parts. The first involved the placement of a bone graft, small cage, a plate and four screws used to repair the fracture dislocation. The second, done at the base of the neck, included the placement of four screws and two small rods used to fixate the spine.
'This examination, about six hours after surgery did show voluntary movement of his legs in his adductors, the muscles that pull his legs together, and his plantarflexors the muscles that push his feet down.'
Everett sustained the injury when he ducked his head while tackling Denver's Domenik Hixon during the opening kickoff of the second half. Everett immediately dropped face first to the ground after his helmet hit Hixon on the left shoulder and side of the helmet.
Television replays showed Everett twitching for a few seconds after the hit, but he showed no further signs of movement during the next 15 minutes as the team's medical staff and emergency responders carefully placed him on a backboard, immobilized his head and body and loaded him into a waiting ambulance.
Before Everett was taken off the field, the Bills gathered together for a team prayer on his behalf.
According to the doctors, Everett did not have any movement below the shoulders, but had the ability to feel sensation all the way down to his feet upon arrival at the hospital.
© 2007 The Sports Network
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