Aleix Espargaro has to go under the knife due to several vertebral injuries – it remains unclear for the time being when the Honda test rider will be able to return
After suffering various vertebral fractures in a training accident, Honda’s test and development rider Aleix Espargaro has to undergo surgery
The operation, which will take place this Wednesday in Barcelona, will involve treating fractures to the T3 and T4 thoracic vertebrae. In the course of this, two other affected vertebrae will also be stabilized.
The accident occurred on Tuesday a week ago during private testing in Sepang/Malaysia. Espargaro had traveled there for a three-day test program, which focused on the further development of the RC213V – the bike with which Honda’s factory riders are competing in the current MotoGP season.
Operation as the best treatment option
However, there was a heavy crash on the very first day of testing, in which the Spaniard suffered injuries to his upper back. After the crash, Espargaro was initially treated at the Aurelius University Hospital in Nilai near the track.
He remained under medical observation there until Sunday. He also received support on site from his wife Laura Montero, who traveled to Malaysia at short notice.
The 34-year-old took to his social media channels shortly afterwards to say: “It was brutal this time … But we have to fight and stay positive as always to make a full recovery, and even more so with such a great traveling companion by my side! Thanks to everyone for the encouraging messages!”
On his return to Barcelona, Espargaro was admitted to the university hospital. The doctors there carried out extensive examinations and came to the conclusion that surgery was the best treatment option.
Fewer vertebral fractures than expected
The procedure will be led by neurosurgeon Bartolome Fiol Busquets, who specializes in spinal surgery. In addition to the confirmed fractures at T3 and T4, two other vertebrae that were initially also thought to be fractured but turned out to be “damaged but not broken” will also be stabilized.
Espargaro had already described the incident in more detail last week: “I had a serious accident during the test in Sepang. As a result, I suffered several bruises and four broken vertebrae, albeit only minimally – and fortunately the spinal cord was not affected.”
After the first few days in hospital, he was nevertheless optimistic. “After a few days in the CU Aurelius Hospital, where I was treated incredibly well, I can now fly home. There we will decide at the Quiron-Dexeus whether an operation is necessary,” said Espargaro a few days ago.
When exactly the Spaniard will be able to return to the race track is currently unclear. In any case, a comeback is not expected in the short term after the operation.