Question
My son recently was injured playing football.  He ended up in emergency surgery.  He had a fracture on his L2 vertebrae  and a blood clot that formed behind it.  They removed the clot and he is on the road of recovering.  Football is a big deal to him.  Is it realistic to think he will play football next year after this injury?

Answer
Wow, that is a tough one. I feel sad about what happened to your son. I played football in grade school and high school so I understand how it would be a big deal to him. Saying that I think you would be better served by asking a neurologist. Because I am a quadriplegic I know how difficult his life could become if he were to injure his spinal cord. So you can guess what I would tell him to do, give up football. But a neurologist may say playing would be ok. I hope this helps you. I will keep good thoughts for your son.  Sincerely, Ken