Valentino Rossi will be ready for the Sepang Test

Alessandro Castagna, one of the two specialists who performed the Italian’s shoulder operation on Sunday, believes he will be fit in time for the MotoGP Test in the Malaysia on February 1st.

February 1st 2011, the date of the next Official MotoGP Test, is firmly fixed in Valentino Rossi’s mind as the Italian begins his rehabilitation from the shoulder surgery which took place on Sunday. The normal recovery period following a procedure such as the one undergone by Rossi is 90 days, but with 79 until the Sepang Test the schedule is tight.

In an interview with the Italian sports daily La Gazzetta dello Sport Doctor Alessandro Castagna of the Milan Humanitas Institute, who along with Doctor Giuseppe Porcellini performed the operation, explained his view on the chances of Rossi being fit to ride the Ducati in Malaysia.

“It usually takes 90 days and he has 79 until the first Test. I’m sure that if everything goes smoothly and there are no complications he can be ready for it,” said Dr Castagna.

The nine-time World Champion will require a splint to support the shoulder for three weeks, and his recovery programme will consist of three important stages.

“The inflammatory phase (immediately after surgery) usually lasts for between three to five days,” continued Dr Castagna. “The second phase usually a month and a half or two during which the capillaries in the area will aid the production of fresh cells that will help the healing process. The final stage will be the re-strengthening of the joint. In the middle of the second stage Valentino will start the rehabilitation with the first steps being in the pool, followed by gym activity.”

Discussing the surgery Dr Castagna said: “The operation itself had no particular problems, but we encountered a situation like at the supermarket: pay for one, get three. To give an idea of the situation it normally takes 35 minutes to stabilise a shoulder, and with Valentino it took us an hour and 50 minutes.”

“In simple terms the supraspinatus tendon and the glenoid ligament were both very damaged. We had to clean the area to prepare it for its natural healing process, and then close it with 12 stitches. The fibrocartilage surrounding the humerus was displaced so we put it back and fixed it with bio-absorbable staples. All of this was done in an area which measured a maximum of 2-3 centimetres.”