Chaz Mostert has undergone a successful second bout of surgery at Orange Base Hospital following his season-ending qualifying crash at Bathurst.
The latest procedure was ordered after follow up MRI scans discovered ligament and cartilage damage behind the driver’s left knee cap which was dislodged in the accident.
According to a Prodrive statement, the second operation was necessary to allow Mostert to stand and begin rehabilitation of the fracture in his left femur.
A metal pin was inserted into Mostert’s femur on Saturday, with a cast also applied to his fractured left wrist, which he will wear for the next six weeks.
“In the days after my leg operation the doctors wanted me up and walking which is standard procedure,” said Mostert, whose impact with the concrete was recorded at 50g.
“I was experiencing high levels of pain while trying to walk and further scans discovered the damage to my knee.
“Going back for more surgery was the right thing to do as it will speed up my recovery once the knee has healed.
“Yesterday’s operation felt harder than the first but was necessary for my recovery. Now is the time to get everything right so I can start my rehabilitation.”
V8 Supercars medical delegate Dr Carl Le says that delaying Mostert’s planned return to the Gold Coast in order to have the second surgery was a necessary move.
“Chaz’s orthopaedic surgeon, Mr Evan Jones, has kept a close eye on him post-surgery and listened to what he and the physiotherapists have been reporting,” said Dr Le.
“It is not unusual for things to be picked up on review after an accident, especially for ligament injuries, so the second round of surgery is not uncommon with these types of accidents.
“The MRI scan revealed a small (MPF) ligament tear and also meniscal cartilage damage.
“I have spoken to Mr Jones today and confirmed that both the ligament and cartilage were successfully repaired last night.
“It has been the right call to operate on the knee now and it should help expedite Chaz’s recovery in the long-term.”