Hayden to undergo shoulder surgery
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| Nicky Hayden |
Nicky Hayden underwent successful arthroscopic surgery Monday on the right shoulder that he had injured in late December. During the procedure, which was carried out in Fremont, Calif., and which lasted approximately 40 minutes, Dr. Arthur Ting discovered and repaired a tear in the labrum.
Hayden had a post-operation appointment with the doctor on Tuesday, which confirmed the success of the surgery and Hayden is beginning his rehabilitation.
Hayden should be able to take part in the next winter test at Sepang, Feb. 28-March 1.
“It’s a setback, but all things considered, I’m pretty happy with how things went," Hayden said. “It’s good that it was possible to do everything by ’scope, and the pain’s not too bad. The problem should be fixed now, and I look forward to being able to help out the team as soon as possible."
02/05/12 Nicky Hayden will undergo surgery on Monday to try and resolve the shoulder problem that hampered him in pre-season testing at Sepang this week.
The Ducati rider had fractured his left shoulder in a training accident just after Christmas. At the time, he opted to avoid surgery but struggled to ride during the test.
Hayden was subsequently examined by Dr Arthur Ting in Fremont, California, and was revealed to have sustained more extensive damage than thought to his shoulder cartilage and back muscles. Surgery will now take place tomorrow to evaluate and treat the problems.
"Of course another operation before the season is never a good thing," Hayden said, "but I'm actually happy that I tried to ride at Malaysia, because it helped me to discover that the problem with the shoulder was bigger than we thought. After seeing the scans, it was clear why I couldn't ride well."
The American is optimistic that it will not disrupt his 2012 preparations too much.
"Setbacks are a part of life and a part of MotoGP, so we'll deal with it and do everything possible to get back on the bike in good condition as soon as possible," said Hayden.
"Ducati and the team are putting maximum effort into this championship, and that helps me to keep my spirits high and to be confident heading into the season."
MotoGP testing does not resume until the next Sepang sessions on 28 February to 1 March.