Philippaerts operation a complete success

Monster Energy Yamaha’s David Philippaerts could be back on a motocross track in as little as three months after a thorough and extremely successful operation yesterday afternoon at Spedali Civili di Brescia hospital. The former MX1-GP World Champion suffered fractures to both wrists after a crash during the first moto of the Grand Prix of Sweden at Uddevalla last Sunday.

The Italian flew home for an operation that would involve replacement of the plates he had installed after his accident last summer. The damage to the radius bones of both arms was repaired by Dr Pier Paolo Borelli, who was able to stabilise the fractures by substituting and shifting the metalwork. Such was the comprehensiveness of the procedure that Philippaerts was already able to start stretching his fingers, felt considerably less pain and is able to sleep comfortably. ‘DP19’ is expected to leave the hospital over the weekend.

A period of rehab is expected to begin immediately and medical staff are confident that within two months the 28 year old will be able to use the limbs normally. “I am happy with how everything has gone and I am being taken care of very well here,” said Philippaerts who came back from a similar injury to claim two Grand Prix podiums and one moto victory this season. “It feels good not to have any pain and the doctor was confident that the new surgery will mean my wrists will be stronger than before. I will be home in two days and then looking to get fit and ready when I can.”