Injury Update: Alex McKinnon
WEDNESDAY 21/05:
Alex McKinnon provides a video update on his recovery, eight weeks after his injury. CLICK HERE to watch his update.
WEDNESDAY 30/04:
Knights re-sign Alex McKinnon, CLICK HERE for the full details.
FRIDAY 25/04:
CLICK HERE to hear from Alex McKinnon about his recovery, around one month after his injury.
THURSDAY 17/04:
Alex McKinnon has been transferred from intensive care to a spinal rehabilitation ward in a Sydney hospital as he continues his recovery.
Movement in Alex’s right arm is improving and he has started to get movement in his left arm. Alex is able to control an electronic wheelchair. As previously advised, further regeneration may occur over a two-year time frame.
While there is a long road ahead for Alex, these small improvements continue to lift his spirits, as does the overwhelming amount of support he is receiving.
Alex and his family wish to thank the medical team at Melbourne’s Alfred Hospital, for the acute care and treatment following his injury. They also wish to thank the hospital staff currently managing his progress.
The Club will continue to share any appropriate updates on Alex’s condition and again request their privacy be respected.
MONDAY 07/04:
Alex McKinnon has been transferred from Melbourne to a Sydney hospital today.
Alex is in a stable condition.
The Club again requests Alex and his family’s privacy is respected at this time.
TUESDAY 01/04:
Club clarified Alex's injury, CLICK HERE.
SUNDAY 30/03:
Alex McKinnon has made a small advancement in his recovery on Sunday.
He has had his assisted ventilation removed and can now communicate with his family.
His breathing will be monitored while undertaking intense physiotherapy before the next stage, which will hopefully involve a transfer to Sydney.
Alex’s father Scott again wished to thank everyone for the continued support.
“It has been a highly emotional day for us and this is just a small stage in a long journey,” Scott McKinnon said.
“Once again, we can’t thank everyone enough for the prayers and well wishes we have received for Alex and our family.”
WEDNESDAY:
Statement issued from Alex's family; his parents Kate and Scott McKinnon and partner Teigan Power.
"We wish to thank the public and the media for the tremendous support and words of concern we have already received for our son and partner, Alex.
"He remains in a critical but stable condition at The Alfred hospital and is receiving the very best care.
"Alex’s injury is still in its early days and we are still in the process of understanding its implications and what the future may hold for him.
"This is a challenging time for everyone who loves Alex and, until such a time that we are feeling stronger, we ask that our family’s privacy is respected so that we can focus solely on his recovery."
TUESDAY EVENING:
On Monday night scan results for Alex McKinnon confirmed a dislocation at C4 and C5.
McKinnon had emergency surgery early on Tuesday morning to stabilise his neck, which consisted of a disc removal at C4 and C5 and anterior fusion.
Alex had additional scans on Tuesday afternoon, which confirmed a devastating spinal injury.
Alex remains in hospital in intensive care and may require further surgery to stabilise his spine.
He has movement in his right arm and the uncertainty remains in regeneration, with a variable prognosis.
The doctors explained regeneration and recovery could be up to two years.
Family and Club officials remain with Alex in hospital. The Club requests Alex and his family's privacy is respected at this time.
TUESDAY MORNING:
Scan results for Alex McKinnon confirm a fracture at C4 and C5.
His spinal cord is not severed but the doctors are unsure about the level of spinal cord compromise.
It will be a number of days or weeks until the extent of his injury is known.
Alex’s family have now arrived in Melbourne and are with him, along with Club doctor Peter McGeoch and Club officials.
When there is additional information, an update will be provided.
We ask that any reporting of this delicate matter be handled with respect to Alex and his family.
MONDAY NIGHT:
Alex McKinnon was taken to hospital for scans following a neck injury in Monday night’s game against the Melbourne Storm at AAMI Park.
The Club will provide a further update as soon as there is additional information available – however that isn’t expected until Tuesday.
Alex’s family have been and will continue to be in constant contact with Club officials.
Club officials remain with Alex in hospital.
The Club thanks everyone for their well wishes.