Press release on Alex de Angelis serious crash in FP4
MotoGP medical director Michele Macchiagodena has confirmed the full extent of the serious injuries suffered by Alex de Angelis during fourth free practice for the Japanese Grand Prix, which includes multiple rib and vertebrae fractures, as well as a lung contusion.
The Sammarinese received lengthy medical treatment at the side of the Motegi circuit following the fall from his Ioda machine, with the team later confirming 'numerous fractures'. It also said he was conscious and talking as he was extricated.
Airlifted to Dokkyo Hospital in Mibu for treatment, de Angelis has undergone a CT scan, which has diagnosed a lung contusion after preliminary analysis. Furthermore, he is confirmed with several rib fractures, fractures to his T7-T8-T9 vertebrae, a body fracture to L4 and trasversal process fractures to T2, T4 and T8.
Also suffering a head concussion, the Macchiagodena says he will need to closely observed in the coming days to ensure his condition remains stable.
"There's a thoracic trauma with bilateral ribs fracture, on the left and the right. He also suffered a head concussion - the CT scan doesn't demonstrate any damage or bleeding but it still requires to remain under observation for the next days. However what needs more attention is the fact he sustained a lung contusion - we'll have to monitor it closely to make sure it doesn't lead to restricted breathing or any kind of infection.
“The early checks also report 5 fractured vertebrae, from which three seem to affect the body of the vertebrae - as of now there's no neurological damage but we'll have to make sure those fractures are stable so the medulla isn't affected. For now it needs to be observed closely in order to determine if surgery can be avoided." .
Get well soon Alex