One-Time WWE Consulting Physician Comments On Big E Neck Break! He’s Lucky, But Career May Still Be Over?!
Dr. David Chao noted the following.
…Axial load injuries are dangerous and it seems Ewan escaped disaster. He was able to move all extremities and reportedly has strength. He later indicated he suffered two different fractures in the neck at C1 and C6.
The C1 fracture is most dangerous as the top cervical vertebrae is a ring and is commonly associated with immediate death or complete paralysis. Thankfully the fracture was not displaced and he will not need surgery. However, this type of fracture often heals incompletely and it may mean the end of his wrestling career.
The C6 fracture is likely a compression injury to the vertebral body. This likely requires immobilization but not surgery. One would anticipate a minimum of three-month recovery with return to full function and activities for this lower cervical injury.
Previously, I had worked regularly with WWE as a consulting physician for events and performing surgery. I can assure you the stunts that are executed are real and come with risk, even though some consider the sport to be “fake”…
Here’s hoping Big E makes a full and healthy recovery.
