Back Injury Left Sharpe At Great Risk

Green Bay Packers star receiver Sterling Sharpe faced permanent paralysis or sudden death without a risky and unusual operation aimed at fusing two vertebrae, his doctor said.

Sharpe, a former South Carolina star who lives in Columbia during the off-season, underwent the operation Feb. 3. Dr. Craig Brigham performed the surgery in Charlotte, N.C., and said there was a 90 percent chance of Sharpe achieving a solid fusion that could allow him to play in 1996.

Sharpe had a two-inch by threeinch piece of bone from his pelvis transplanted to the back portion of his first and second cervical vertebrae. The bone fragment was held in place by a wire and two screws on each side.

Dr. Brigham said Sharpe’s status for 1996 will be decided after evaluating workouts and CT scan confirmation of solid fusion.

Sharpe, a seven-year veteran, suffered momentary paralysis to the arms after striking helmets with an Atlanta safety on Dec. 18. He had another nerve-related injury a week later and was pulled from the lineup.