Cachia to undergo surgery on injured wrists
In a devastating blow for the Carlton Dry Honda Racing Team, Josh Cachia has been ruled out of the remainder of the 2013 Monster Energy MX Nationals due to an ongoing wrist injury that will require immediate surgery.
Cachia, who was the fastest qualifier for today’s opening MX2 Moto has battled with injuries to both wrists this season.
The 21 year-old has a fractured scaphoid in his left wrist which originated from a supercross crash in 2011.
In addition, nerve issues in his right wrist – described as similar to carpal tunnel syndrome, have left him with severe numbness in three of his fingers.
After consultation with Suzuki Racesafe Orthopaedic Surgeon, Dr Laurie Malisano, it was collectively agreed the only course of action was to seek immediate surgery to ensure no further damage and a full a recovery.
Cachia has worked tirelessly with trainer Andy Cunningham to maintain the injuries throughout the first half of the season but it all came to head in today’s opening race.
“It has been an ongoing battle which I have worked really hard with my trainer to maintain and manage through the first half of the season,” Cachia explained.
“I have had cortisone injections and countless physiotherapy sessions. To be honest it has been a massive investment just to get to the track.
“I never doubt myself on a bike and never think anything other than I can win, but today I was out there racing and all I could think was I shouldn’t be out here it is not safe,” he continued.
“You can’t ignore something that is staring you straight in the face. There is never a good time for an injury but I have to face the fact that I need to have the operation done as soon as possible.
“I really appreciative the support from the team, Honda and Carlton Dry, it makes it a whole lot easier to accept knowing that they have my back,” Cachia concluded.
Cachia will fly to Brisbane tonight to undergo a full assessment with surgeons tomorrow ahead of surgery later in the week.
Honda Australia’s Tony Hinton said the most important factor was to ensure that Cachia receive the best medical care.
“Josh’s health and well-being is our foremost priority,” Hinton said. “He is a huge talent and a big part of Honda’s future motocross plans.
“We want to make sure he gets the best possible treatment and recovery process, so when he does return to the track he is 100% fit and healthy.”
