Successful shoulder surgery for Melandri.
Sat 26 Dec: Yamaha Factory World Superbike Team’s new recruit for the 2011 series, Marco Melandri, underwent minor and completely successful surgery on his right shoulder yesterday last Thursday and expects to be fully fit for the works squad’s next test at the Portimao circuit in Portugal on 26 January.
Edited copy and photo courtesy of Yamaha Racing Communications, Amsterdam.
The 28 year old, a former Grand Prix 250 world champion, and a WSB
rookie on the formidable YZF-R1 in 2011, has elected for a hospital
visit and an overnight stay after some complaints around the joint
possibly due to an old injury and in the wake of three days hard riding
and testing recently.
After scans on Wednesday revealed some extra
movement in the limb, the Italian opted for a clean-up procedure in
order to reduce risk of further aggravation during his maiden term in
World Superbike that is set to start at Phillip Island on February 27th.
Dr Giuseppe Porcellini, the same specialist who worked on the shoulder
of Valentino Rossi, performed the operation and the racer will leave his
ward today (Friday). Dr Porcellini reported that there was no damage to
ligaments therefore a straightforward ‘tidying’ took place and a
‘staple’ attached - that will erode naturally over time - will add extra
stability.
Aside from requiring the use of a brace for two
weeks the sole effect of Melandri’s trip to the operating theatre will
be a slight interference with his ability to train 100% during the month
of January but he expects to be fit and raring to go for his next
appointment with the R1 in Portugal.