Two MotoGP pilots, the Australian Jack Miller (Ducati) and the Spaniard Íker Lecuona (KTM Factory Tech 3) have used the short break in the season’s calendar to go under the knife.

This past Tuesday both pilots underwent a surgical procedure to fix a condition known as ‘arm pump’ or compartment syndrome in both their right arms. Fortunately, both operations have been successful. 

According to statements from Ducati and Miller himself, the latter was operated on by a team of surgeons led by Dr Xavier Mir at the Dexeus Hospital in Barcelona. 

Miller has been suffering from his right arm at both the initial rounds of the MotoGP World Championships in Losail, during which he has been unable to feel one hundred per cent comfortable on his Desmosedici.  

“It was a short operation, and it went very well. I can’t wait to start the rehabilitation. There are still ten days left before the next Grand Prix at Portimão”. – Said the Australian.   

Miller is optimistic regarding his chances of being back for the next round in the calendar, the Portuguese GP, which is to be held from April 16 to 18: 

“If my recovery proceeds normally, I’ll be able to be back on track in Portugal, even if not completely at my 100% fitness. I want to thank Dr Mir and all his team of the Dexeus Hospital for their availability and all the care they have given me”. 

The injury has come at the worst of times for the Townsville pilot. He was signed by Ducati to replace and match Andrea Dovizioso as the new leader of the team, but his performance so far has not been as expected. In both the initial appointments of the year, the Qatar and Doha GPs, he has only managed two ninth places. 

Íker Lecuona, third surgery for compartment syndrome

Íker Lecuona has also paid a visit to the operating theatre upon his return from Qatar, where he visibly suffered onboard his Factory Tech 3 KTM. In the case of the Spaniard, this was his third surgery for compartment syndrome at Valencian Hospital in Spain. 

“I feel a sort of pumping in my right arm. They have already operated on me twice, but I don’t know why it has come back so on Friday (of the GP weekend) I didn’t do more than four or five laps. Also, during the weekend I was suffering just thinking about it, it took a toll mentally”.

“I didn’t know if I was going to be able to finish the race, I felt the pumping in my arm and I couldn’t fully control the bike. The performance of my arm dropped, but not completely”. – Said Lecuona-. 

The Spaniard is hopeful that the problem which has been undermining his confidence and morale for so long has now been solved once and for all. Although the estimated recovery period for this type of intervention is approximately 12 days, the youngest pilot of MotoGP will attempt to be fighting fit for the Portuguese event. 

Images of Jack Miller: Ducati.