According to a report released by Herentals hospital, doctors performed a total hip replacement for Merckx's displaced fracture of the right hip, which they referred to as "a common fracture". Merckx will remain under medical supervision for at least one night before beginning rehabilitation on Wednesday.
In a conversation with HLN.com after the procedure, the 70-year-old imparted a bit of humour in his assessment of his situation, "They gave me a new hip. The pain is not too bad at the moment. Yesterday it was terrible, but it's better since the surgery."
"I fell on my hip and could not stand up. I was alone on the bike. Fortunately a few bystanders stayed. Otherwise it would have been a disaster. I was scared, yes," he admitted to HLN.com, saying he was first taken to a medical facility in Mechelen, then was moved to Herentals as he requested treatment from Dr Steven Claes.
The total hip replacement was performed Tuesday by Dr Claes and Dr Mike Tengrootenhuysen at AZ Herentals. "The operation went very smoothly and a full recovery is expected. Eddy Merckx will now stay in the hospital for at least one night."
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