Actor Christopher Reeve undergoes a lengthy surgery to stabilize his broken neck after an equestrian event accident.
The surgery, which lasted for 6 1/2 hours, aims to allow Reeve to sit upright and potentially aid in his rehabilitation, although he remains paralyzed and reliant on a ventilator for breathing.
A surgical team of six at the University of Virginia Medical Center performed the operation using titanium wire and bone transplanted from Reeve’s hip.
The procedure involved fusing the top two vertebrae of his backbone to his skull.
Neurosurgeon John Jane expressed confidence that Reeve will be stable following the successful surgery, noting that Reeve showed signs of pleasure when informed that he would be able to move his head up.
It is important to note that the surgery does not restore any nerve functions or impact Reeve’s rate of recovery.
Instead, it serves to prevent further damage to the spinal cord and protect Reeve’s existing muscle functions.
The postoperative recovery period is expected to last between 10 days and two weeks.
During the surgery, no bone fragments were found in the spinal canal, which is a positive outcome.
This suggests a lower likelihood of injury to the tough covering around the spinal cord, known as the dura mater, as well as reduced risk of spinal fluid leakage and meningitis, according to Fraser Henderson, director of neurosurgery of the spine and craniocervical junction at Georgetown University Medical Center.
Reeve’s paralysis occurred when his horse abruptly stopped in front of a jump, causing him to fall onto his head.
The accident resulted in fractures of the top two vertebrae of his cervical spine.
Severe spinal cord injuries above the fifth vertebrae of the neck (C5) are often fatal as they leave the individual unable to breathe.
Reeve required mouth-to-mouth resuscitation following the accident.
In the fusion procedure, surgeons utilized bone segments from Reeve’s pelvis to bridge the broken vertebrae and wired them together.
This immobilization process is crucial for successful fusion.
Additionally, holes were drilled in Reeve’s skull, and titanium wire was used to anchor the fused vertebrae to it.
A total of 11 wires were employed.
It will take around two months for the broken sections to heal substantially, with a longer period required to assess whether Reeve will regain any movement ability.
He currently has some sensation in his chest.
Reeve will continue to wear a collar that limits head motion and gradually be raised into an upright position.
The action of sitting up should aid his breathing, help prevent bedsores, and reduce the chance of further pneumonia.
Jane confirmed that Reeve’s pneumonia is currently under control, but it remains a common side effect of immobilizing injuries.
Jane expressed optimism that Reeve will eventually regain some movement in his neck, allowing for side-to-side and vertical motion.
Caption: Stabilizing a Broken Neck
Christopher Reeve underwent surgery to stabilize his upper spine following a riding accident that left him with a broken neck.
The surgical procedure involved making a five-inch incision at the back of Reeve’s skull and neck.
The first and second vertebrae were then wired together, and holes were drilled in the skull to attach it to the fused vertebrae using wire.
Bone pieces from Reeve’s pelvis were placed over the two vertebrae and at the base of the skull to secure them.
Sources: KRT Graphics; The Ciba Collection of Medical Illustrations; news reports
