– After suffering several vertebral fractures in a training accident, Honda’s test and development rider Aleix Espargaro must undergo surgery.
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The procedure, which takes place this Wednesday in Barcelona, aims to treat fractures of the thoracic vertebrae T3 and T4. In the process, two other affected vertebrae are also to be stabilized.
The accident occurred on Tuesday a week ago during private test rides in Sepang, Malaysia. Espargaro had traveled there for a three-day test program focused on the further development of the RC213V – the bike with which Honda’s factory riders compete in the current MotoGP season.
Surgery as the best treatment option
However, on the very first day of testing, there was a severe crash in which the Spaniard sustained injuries to the upper back area. After the crash, Espargaro was initially treated at the Aurelius University Hospital in Nilai near the track.
He remained there under medical observation until Sunday. He was also supported on site by his wife Laura Montero, who traveled to Malaysia at short notice.
He later spoke out himself via his social media channels: “This time it was brutal … But we have to fight and, as always, stay positive to fully recover, especially with such a great travel companion by my side! Thanks to everyone for the encouraging messages!”
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After his return to Barcelona, Espargaro was admitted to the university hospital. There, doctors conducted extensive examinations and concluded that surgery was the best treatment option.
Fewer vertebral fractures than initially assumed
The procedure is led by neurosurgeon Bartolome Fiol Busquets, who specializes in spinal surgery. In addition to the confirmed fractures at T3 and T4, two other vertebrae are stabilized, which were initially also thought to be broken but turned out to be “damaged but not broken.”
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Already last week, Espargaro had described the incident in more detail: “During the test in Sepang, I had a serious accident. As a result, I suffered several bruises and four fractured vertebrae, albeit only minimally – and fortunately, the spinal cord was not affected.”
After the first days in the hospital, he nevertheless appeared optimistic. “After a few days at CU Aurelius Hospital, where I was treated incredibly well, I can now fly home. There, we will decide at Quiron-Dexeus whether surgery is necessary,” Espargaro said a few days ago.
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When exactly the Spaniard can return to the racetrack is currently unclear. After the procedure, a comeback is certainly not expected in the short term.
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