Bush expected to recover in 3-4 months after neck fracture

PORTLAND, Maine – Former President George H.W. Bush fractured a bone in his neck when he took a tumble at his oceanside summer home, but he suffered no neurological impairment and the injury will be allowed to heal on its own, which is expected to take three to four months, officials said Thursday.

Bush, at 91 the oldest living former president, remained hospitalized in fair condition a day after he fell at his home in Kennebunkport.

The fracture to his C2 vertebra, the second one below the skull, didn’t impinge on his spine and didn’t lead to any neurological deficits, spokesman Jim McGrath said.

The 41st president never lost consciousness and was being fitted with a brace to immobilize his neck, McGrath said.

Dr. William D’Angelo, a neurosurgeon who is treating Bush at Maine Medical Center, said the former president was lucky the fracture wasn’t more serious.

“He’s in great spirits,” D’Angelo said outside the hospital.

The family declined to say how he fell.