Sidney Crosby has discovered that, in addition to the concussion he suffered last month, he may also have fractured two vertebrae.
Pat Brisson, the agent for the Pittsburgh Penguins captain, confirmed to Hockey Night in Canada's Elliotte Friedman on Saturday that Crosby may have fractured the C1 and C2 vertebrae, likely when he was hit by Boston Bruins centre David Krejci on Dec. 5.
Crosby has not played since as he continues to experience concussion-like symptoms, but still hopes to return to action this season.
“The good news is he’s safe. It’s treatable, which is positive,” Brisson told ESPN.com.
The news broke just before the NHL all-star skills competition was about to begin in Ottawa, and caught the Penguins by surprise. They are expected to release a statement later Saturday.
Crosby was examined this week in California by Dr. Robert Bray, who diagnosed the fractured vertebrae. Since Crosby resumed skating two weeks ago, he has visited chiropractor Ted Carrick in Atlanta and Bray in Los Angeles and has continued skating behind the scenes in both locations.
Brisson said that a recent CAT scan and MRI test on Crosby will be further examined by another specialist next week.
The C1 and C2 are the highest two vertebrae in the cervical spine. The joint between the C1 vertebra and the skull is responsible for 50 per cent of the flexion and extension in the neck, like nodding the head to indicate "yes." The joint between the C1 vertebra and the C2 vertebra provides 50 per cent of the side-to-side turning of the neck.
