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Injured NFL player Everett shows more improvement

Buffalo Bills tight end Kevin Everett continues to show signs of neurological improvement eight days after suffering what doctors called a "catastrophic" neck injury.

Bills medical director doctor John Marzo issued a statement on Monday updating the status of Everett, who underwent emergency spinal surgery on Sept. 9 following the team's season-opening loss to the Denver Broncos.

"Kevin Everett remains medically stable in the intensive care unit and continues to make daily improvement in his neurological status," Marzo said.

"When examined Sunday evening by orthopedic surgeon Andrew Cappuccino, Kevin demonstrated increased strength in the muscles of his legs.

"In addition, he was able to show some movement in both hands. Supportive care continues for vital body systems while Kevin begins to focus on his neurological and musculoskeletal rehabilitation."

Everett underwent a four-hour operation after colliding with Broncos returner Domenik Hixon on the second-half kickoff of the teams' NFL season-opener on Sept. 9.

It appeared to be a freak injury for Everett, who slammed into Hixon as the return man hit the wedge and broke his tackle. Everett immediately fell to the turf and appeared to lose consciousness.

During the extensive surgery, Cappuccino repaired a break between the third and fourth vertebrae and also alleviated pressure on Everett's spinal cord.

To reconfigure Everett's spine, doctors also made a bone graft and inserted a cage and a plate, held in place by four screws, and inserted two small rods.

Doctors also gave Everett intravenous fluids to lower his body temperature, an unproven procedure that may inhibit swelling.

At a news conference, doctor Kevin J. Gibbons, who was part of the team that performed the surgery, said the medical team was "very pleased" with the progress Everett has made so far.
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