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University of Virginia Medical Center - (Dr. John A. Jane)

Date: Monday, June 5, 1995

Dr. John A. Jane excerpts from press briefing at 4:00pm EST about Christopher Reeve's surgery at University of Virginia Medical Center.

  • "Everything went well. I am confident he will be stable."

  • Reeve is awake but still sleepy. "He is a wonderful patient."

  • The fusion of the 1st and 2nd vertebrae to base of skull was successful.
  • Doctors used 11 soft (titanium) wires for fusion; also used bone from his hip to create the fusion.
  • They found no bone in the spinal canal.

  • Surgery began about 8:30 a.m. and was completed about 3 p.m.; it took "a long time" because it was "an exacting procedure."

  • Surgery will not affect the speed of recovery or his breathing, but will keep bony parts in alignment to prevent further damage. He is still on a ventilator.
  • No change in level of sensation in upper body.
  • He will be in a collar, but they will start sitting him up little by little beginning today because Reeve "is so eager to be mobilized."
  • He should have some movement in his neck from side to side and vertically; it will be restricted to some degree.

  • Post-op recovery will take between 10 days to 2 weeks.
  • Could be weeks or months before they know how much movement will be regained

  • Reeve received steroids within the first 24 hours, but nothing else.
  • Pneumonia is under control.
  • Family members have seen him and are coping fine.



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