Nemeth Surgery 'Successful'

Balatonring rider Balázs Németh went into theatre at around 4pm this afternoon for surgery on the fourth and fifth metacarpal bones on his left hand. Doctor Enrique Gastaldi and his staff performed the operation, which took around an hour and was performed under general anaesthetic. Doctor Gastaldi inserted a pin into the dislocation of his fifth metatarsal in order to prevent it from dislocating again. He also fixed a titanium plate, specially designed for hand injuries, to his fractured fourth metacarpal. The Hungarian has a single running stitch in his hand - equivalent to eight normal stitches -and a protrusion from the pin.

Balázs will stay in hospital overnight and will be examined by Doctor Gastaldi in the morning. If the assessment is positive he will be discharged and will travel home to Hungary. After resting his hand for 30 days he will then be able to have pin removed and will be fit to return to action. During this time he will follow an exercise programme designed by Dr Gastaldi to ensure that he doesn't lose any of the flexibility in his tendons.