Successful shoulder surgery for Shaun Simpson

Red Bull KTM factory rider Shaun Simpson has successfully undergone a routine operation to repair a damaged shoulder ligament in preparation for his assault on the 2010 FIM MX2 Motocross World Championship. The twenty-one year old Scott who has missed most of this season due to injury, underwent the simple procedure in Belgium late last week to attend to a potential weakness that dates back to 2006.

Doctor Claes, who was one of the specialists that Stefan Everts referred to during his riding career, carried out the surgery having previously repaired Shaun’s collarbone mid way through 2008. The operation was undertaken to tighten up the ligament in Simpson’s left shoulder in order to prevent the risk of the joint becoming dislocated in the future, as a result of previous damage caused to this area of Shaun’s body.

With no further riding planned until early next year, the young Scot took the opportunity ahead of his winter training schedule, to attend to this potential problem in readiness for a proper title campaign in 2010. Shaun will wear a sling to protect the joint for the next couple of weeks before resuming light duties and then moving on to complete his full off season programme.

Simpson will still attend the Dirt Bike Show at Stoneleigh Park this coming Friday, where he will be available on the KTM stand to sign autographs (with his right hand) and talk to the public. Shaun will then return to his native Scotland to spend some well earned time with family and friends, before his punishing schedule resumes once again.

Speaking about the operation Shaun stated. ” I have dislocated my left shoulder a couple of times in the past and was always aware that it was a potential area of weakness going forward. When I had my collarbone plated in 2008, I should have had the ligament done then. However I decided not to as I wanted to ride at a British round the following weekend, which I duly won and which helped me win the title that year.”

“I did think about having my shoulder done when I broke my leg earlier in the year, but with being on crutches I would have been totally immobilised. When I got off the crutches I was too focussed on riding again to even consider having it done then.”

Simpson ended by saying. “Having finished racing for the year, and having recently completed testing ahead of next season, now seemed like the perfect time to have the operation. I want to go into next year 100% fit and not worrying about any areas of weakness, so I am glad I have had it done now. The timing means that I will not miss any of my winter training and that I can be fit and ready to go all out for the MX2 World title in 2010.”

For all the latest news about Shaun, please visit his official website at www.shaunsimpson.com

Tags: everts, fim. claes, injury, ktm, red bull, simpson