Mike Di Meglio underwent successful surgery

Mapfre Aspar rider Mike Di Meglio underwent surgery in the Hospital Universitario Policlínico de Modena today. The Frenchman who moved up to 250cc this season developed chronic compartment syndrome in his right arm already through preseason, but it wasn't until the Spanish GP in Jerez that it seriously started to hamper his performance. It got worse during last weekend's Italian GP and Di Meglio was in such pain that he had an immediate consultation with the doctors on Monday to decide whether or not surgery was necessary.
The operation this afternoon was successful, the French rider will stay at the hospital overnight for observation and provided everything looks normal he can be discharged tomorrow. His participation in the Catalunya round in two weeks time is certain, but it remains to be seen if he can be back at full fitness by then.



Background

Chronic compartment syndrome in the forearm (also known as arm-pump) is a well-known problem for motorcycle racers. It is a painful condition that appears when pressure within the muscles builds to dangerous levels, in racing mostly caused by the severe pressure during braking. This prevents nourishment from reaching nerve and muscle cells which can occasionally also result in numbness or difficulty moving.
Especially when riders start racing faster and heavier bikes, for example after moving from 125cc to 250cc or from 250cc to MotoGP, the sudden increased pressure on the forearm muscles often cause the syndrome. Although the condition itself is rare in the general population, the necessary surgery is a relatively routine procedure and many riders had to be operated on during their rookie seasons in a new class, recovering fairly quickly. Other riders having had the surgery include Nicky Hayden, Toni Elias, Marco Melandri, Tom Lüthi and Jorge Lorenzo.
More info here.