Steelers' Ryan Shazier Undergoes Spinal Stabilization Surgery

PITTSBURGH, PA - Injured Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier underwent spinal stabilization surgery Wednesday night, the team announced Thursday. The surgery was performed by UPMC neurosurgeons and team physicians Dr. David Okonkwo and Dr. Joseph Maroon.

The Steelers did not release any additional information on Shazier’s condition.

Shazier was transported to Pittsburgh Wednesday after being in a Cincinnati hospital since shortly after suffering the spinal injury during the Steelers’ game against the Bengals Monday night. He was injured while tackling Bengals wide receiver Josh Malone and taken off the field on a stretcher.

Dr. Anthony Alessi, who consults with the NFL Players Association, told Michele Steele‏ of ESPN that although he hasn’t examined Shazier, the spinal stabilization surgery is indicative of a very serious injury.

“It's not good. We’re not going to see him this season," Alessi said. "He may not play football again.”

Alessi told Steele that that such surgery is needed when the "bones around his spinal cord are dislocated. This is a more severe injury (than a contusion.)... this is a much more severe situation on our hands than we thought."

Dr. David Chao, who spent 17 years as the San Diego Chargers head team physician and is the San Diego Union-Tribune's sports medical analyst, wasn't as pessimistic.

"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," Chao wrote in the Union-Tribune. "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."

Steelers defensive coordiantor Keith Butler appeared to acknowledge that Shazier's NFL career might be over, telling the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Ed Bouchette: "I'm not worried about him playing for us again. I'm more worried about him."

According to UPMC's website, neurosurgeons typically recommend spinal stabilization when the movement

of a damaged spinal disc causes pain or if a condition such as spondylolisthesis allows the spine to become unstable. It may also be needed if a patient undergoes surgery to remove of the normal stabilizing structures of the spine.

When the spine is unstable, excessive motion can cause the nerves adjacent to the spinal column to be pinched, leading to leg pain, numbness and weakness. By stabilizing the spinal column, abnormal motion of the spinal segments is limited.

Shazier, 25, was a first round pick by the Steelers out of Ohio State in 2014. He leads the team in tackles this season.

Photo: Associated Press