The surgery on gymnast Diego Hypolito's left ankle this Thursday in Basel-Mulhouse, Switzerland, was considered a success. According to Dr. Robson de Bem (a sports medicine specialist), who oversaw the entire procedure performed by Swiss Dr. Beat Hintermann (a specialist in this type of surgery), the ankle's internal and external ligaments were reconstructed using tendon grafts from the right and left legs. Cartilage and bone fragments were also removed.

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"After finishing the surgery, which lasted 2 hours and 20 minutes, while still in the operating room, I asked Dr. Beat if the recovery time would increase due to the reconstruction of the external ligaments (which were not planned), and he told me that the timeframe would remain the same, three months to return to training," said Dr. Robson.

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Diego, who will complete his rehabilitation at the ABBR Sports Medicine Center in Jardim Botânico, Rio de Janeiro, looked relieved after the operation:

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"The surgery went well, I didn't feel sick, and I'm completely relieved. The anxiety I felt weeks before the surgery is gone, and I'm hopeful for a good recovery. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank the hospital staff for all the care they gave me and for the loving messages and phone calls from family and friends," said Diego.

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The two-time world floor champion is expected to return to Brazil on the 13th.