The Indianapolis Star/News reported June 3, that Alessandro Zampedri of Italy underwent another lengthy surgery Monday at Methodist Hospital in an effort to restore mobility to his injured left foot, according to hospital spokeswoman Charlotte Hatfield. Indy 500 Newsbreak
Good News For Zampedri
Zampedri, 26, injured on a last-lap crash with Roberto Guerrero and teammate Eliseo Salazar in the May 26 Indianapolis 500, underwent what plastic and reconstructive surgeon William C. Sando termed a "free-flap transfer." A procedure in which a piece of flat muscle from the right side of Zampedri's back was transferred to his left foot. The operation involved microsurgery in which arteries and vessels in his foot were connected to the transferred muscle.
The free-flap transfer was determined to be the appropriate step after doctors determined that the blood flow is good and Zampedri's foot is salvageable, Hatfield said. In addition, skin grafts were performed over remaining exposed areas.
Zampedri dislocated both ankles, sustained multiple compound fractures to both feet, broke both legs and badly lacerated his left foot. He has undergone five surgeries.
