Eddy Merckx's health problems are not over: last week, the great Belgian champion underwent another hip surgery. The Cannibal had been operated on last December at the AZ in Herentals for a hip prosthesis, necessary after a bicycle fall near Mechelen. Everything seemed to be going well, but unfortunately, that was not the case. Merckx, after the surgery and during rehabilitation in Antwerp, continued to experience pain, and when he underwent further clinical examinations last week, it emerged that the inserted prosthesis had caused some issues.

Eddy Merckx had to undergo another hip surgery because the prosthesis inserted in December had not attached correctly to the bone. After a series of tests, doctors realized there was a loosening of the prosthesis and a lack of complete bone adhesion, which was causing various problems for the former cyclist. Only after a magnetic resonance imaging scan was it possible to establish the true problem and the need for a second surgical intervention.

Merckx is now doing well and is eager to return to normal life and the peaceful rides he used to take around his home area. The Cannibal has returned home and is now recovering after the surgery performed by Dr. Tengrootenhuysen in Herentals.

A week later, he still remembers the difficulties of the past months and hopes his hip will soon function correctly.
"Last Saturday I underwent another operation, after three months of suffering," Merckx declared. "I hope these problems end soon."