Ben Townley begins recovery process after successful surgery at Brisbane Private Hospital
Wednesday 18 April - 10:45 AM
Carlton Dry Honda Thor
Racing’s Ben Townley is recovering at Brisbane Private Hospital
following successful surgery on a femoral head-associated acetabular rim
fracture, sustained during a fall at Round 2 of the Monster Energy MX
Nationals at Coonabarabran on the weekend.
The 27 year old was
air-lifted to Armadale on Saturday after crashing heavily in practice. A CT
Scan revealed a dislocated hip and broken bone and the former World
Motocross Champion was transferred to Brisbane Private under the care of Dr
Lawrie Malisano.
Speaking after the operation, Dr Lawrie
Malisano said Townley could be back on the bike within four months.
"The surgery was successful,” Dr Malisano explained.
"Ben had a femoral head associated acetabular rim fracture, which
required open reduction and internal fixation with lag screws and a bone
anchor.
"Ben is likely to make a full recovery; his
fitness and health will contribute to his recovery. The best case
scenario will see him racing within four months.
"We will keep a close eye on his recovery and aide where we
can,” Dr Malisano concluded.
As Townley recovers in
hospital he is also coming to grips with the realities of what has just
happened.
"I can’t believe I am laying here in
hospital,” Townley said. "I am supposed to be packing for
America.
"I am fit and was looking forward to racing in
either America or Australia. It’s not fun lying here I had really
given everything and felt that I was the best prepared I had ever been this
year.
"It is so hard to believe, but I have to accept it
and focus on my recovery,” Townley continued.
In
acknowledging and extending his appreciation for the remarkable work of
Racesafe director Simon Maas, Brendon Kiley of the Royal Flying Doctor
Service and Dr Lawrie Malisano, Townley said couldn’t thank them
enough.
"I am overwhelmed by the extraordinary lengths of
these men. I have been treated like an athlete and the respect they
have shown me will never be forgotten. My family and I can’t
thank them enough”.
Carlton Dry Honda Thor Racing's team
owner Yarrive Konsky understands all too well that injuries can rob
champions of championships.
"It’s quite amazing
that the American injury list right now reads a who’s who of the top
twenty racers in America with upwards of 15 of them sidelined," said
Konsky.
"We all accept that racing is dangerous and it
hits hard when one of your riders is injured like this."
General
Manager of Honda Motorcycles Tony Hinton is committed to Ben’s
recovery and looks forward to his return.
"We see this
happen in motorsport to often and we accept that it can happen to
anyone,” Hinton said. "Right now our focus is to make sure Ben
is comfortable and he has everything he needs to make a full
recovery.”
Fans are encouraged to send support messages to
Ben@hondamx.com.au or to Brisbane Private Hospital Wickham Terrace where
Townley is expected to remain for up to five days before returning home to
New Zealand.