Steve Plater plans to resume training after neck surgery
Isle of Man TT winner Steve Plater is recovering well from surgery on injuries sustained in a crash at the North West 200, and already thinking about a return to racing.
The Woodhall Spa racer suffered two broken bones in his left forearm when his HM Plant Honda crashed during practice for the NW200 in May. He had surgery on the broken bones, but after complaining of continuing pain Plater underwent scans which revealed he had a fractured vertebrae in his neck.
His hopes of supporting the HM Plant team during the 2010 TT were ended by the news, as he headed home for a series of operations to stabilise the fracture. The final operation took place during TT race week.
The 2009 TT champion and Senior TT winner is now recuperating at home and confirmed he is planning to start training soon with a view to making his racing return.
Plater said:
“I have now had four operations, two on my arm and two on my neck so thought I it was time I updated everyone on my progress now that I’m home and can fully focus on recovering. I now have four plates, two rods and 23 screws holding my body together!”
“I am back home after being released from hospital mid last week and am fully ready to start my rehabilitation. The specialist is very pleased with the two operations to plate the vertebrae in my neck and he says that after another couple of days rest I can start swimming and also go to the gym. I've got pretty good movement in my neck already and I've already begun some physio and, should see some more improvement in my arm very soon as well.”
“It’s only five weeks since the crash so really it’s early days yet. It will take however long it takes and I’ll just have to be patient, which is a bit alien to me as I’m so used to be very busy and active. I will not be back racing until I am fully fit as I need to make sure everything is healed up and not return too soon, but, my aim is to return to racing.”
“I would like to thank everyone again for their texts, emails, cards and phone calls, from all over the world. It’s actually been really encouraging but also humbling to think that so many of you are interested in my progress. Now I’m done with operations and we know more how my progress will be, I’ll keep everyone updated so do check back to the website for the latest news. I’ll also try to post a few video blogs.”