Laconi surgery postponed

From worldsbk.com

Following his crash during World Superbike practice at Kyalami, South Africa on Friday Regis Laconi was taken by helicopter to Sunninghill Hospital in Johannesburg.

After undergoing checks later in the evening it was possible to have a better idea of the Frenchman's condition. Laconi suffered two broken cervical vertebrae (C3 and C5), severe concussion and a contusion of the lung. A CT scan for eventual neurological damage proved to be negative and for the moment he is in an induced coma and in a stable condition.

After consultation with Dr. Maurizio Zorzi, the South African neuro-surgeon who was called from Pretoria to check on the patient's condition, it was decided not to operate immediately and to postpone any eventual intervention for a few days.

Barring complications, a further three weeks will be required before a clear clinical picture of the situation can be made, during which the French rider will have to remain totally immobile.