Geelong Advertiser |
THE family of injured South Barwon footballer Casey Tutungi have revealed it will take "considerable time" before doctors know the full extent of the damage to his spine.
Tutungi, 27, severely damaged his spinal cord along with his fourth and fifth vertebrae in a freak accident on Saturday, sparking fears he could be paralysed.
In a statement issued last night, the family said Tutungi was recovering following surgery to stabilise his spine at Melbourne's Austin Hospital.
"The real damage is to the spinal cord and its functions which controls his body’s movements," the statement said.
"Spinal injury results in swelling and inflammation which can take considerable time to subside. It’s only then that assessment of injury can be completed.
"For this reason, Casey will remain in the spinal unit at the Austin Hospital where he is receiving the best of care."
The statement, from his parents Chris and Carol, fiance Bridget and relatives Troy and Skye, thanked the wider community for the overwhelming support.
"We understand everyone’s emotional responses and we thank you for your offers of help, but at this stage your love and prayers are all we can ask for," the statement read.
"We know that you will all appreciate that we need to focus on Casey at this stage, so rather than providing daily updates, the family will now only update you upon significant change to Casey’s condition.
"We will let you know when Casey can have visitors.
"Again we thank you for your heartfelt compassion. We greatly appreciate it."
