After crash, long, perilous road back

0 Comments | Philadelphia Inquirer, The, April, 2007 | by Marie McCullough Inquirer Staff Writer

Gov. Corzine faces a long, risky, excruciating recovery.

His trauma physicians at Cooper University Hospital in Camden have been matter-of-fact about the governor's injuries, and vague about his prognosis. But other trauma experts say the most basic facts of the case - Corzine broke many major bones and required seven pints of blood transfusions - suggest that he is at serious risk of other organ damage and complications.

These include lung problems, kidney damage, infection, and life-threatening blood clots - not to mention many months of physical therapy to regain the ability to walk.

Corzine, 60, was on a ventilator and receiving intravenous sedatives and pain medication last night.

His doctors said he fractured his collarbone, breastbone (sternum), 12 of...