Ben Townley Out Of Action For Four Months

Cycle News Staff | April 18, 2012

Carlton Dry Honda Thor Racing’s Ben Townley is recovering at Brisbane Private Hospital in Australia following successful surgery on a “femoral head-associated acetabular rim fracture” (where the head of the femur meets the pelvis), sustained during a crash in round two of the Monster Energy MX Nationals at Coonabarabran. He is likely to be out of action for up to four months.

Townley was airlifted to Armadale on Saturday after crashing heavily in practice. A CT Scan revealed a dislocated hip and broken bone and the former World Champion was transferred to Brisbane Private under the care of Dr. Lawrie Malisano.

Speaking after the operation, Dr. Lawrie Malisano said Townley could be back on the bike within four months.

“The surgery was successful,” Malisano explained. “Ben had a femoral head associated acetabular rim fracture, which required open reduction and internal fixation with lag screws and a bone anchor. Ben is likely to make a full recovery; his fitness and health will contribute to his recovery. The best-case scenario will see him racing within four months. We will keep a close eye on his recovery and aide where we can.”

As Townley recovers in hospital he is also coming to grips with the realities of what has just happened. The 27 year old was slated to ride a TwoTwo Motorsports Honda in the AMA Motocross Nationals for Chad Reed.

“I can’t believe I am laying here in hospital,” Townley said. “I am supposed to be packing for America. I am fit and was looking forward to racing in either America or Australia. It’s not fun lying here. I had really given everything and felt that I was the best prepared I had ever been this year. It is so hard to believe, but I have to accept it and focus on my recovery.”