Not Even MotoGP's Golden Boy Can Escape Arm Injuries, Undergoes Surgery

This has been suspected since his very first premiere class race.

Photo by: Motorsport.com

By: Robbie Bacon

May 2, at 7:27am ET

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Compartment syndrome, known to most motorcyclists as "arm pump", is a condition where constricted blood vessels restrict blood flow, leading to a buildup of pressure and, ultimately, pain. Riders feel it in their forearms, and it reduces their ability to use their hands with much force or dexterity—an extremely serious problem when riding the fastest bikes in the world.

And arm pump and racing motorcycles go together like playing darts and drinking pints. Like drinking pints, arm pump has ended some people's careers before they've started, and taken others out before they had the chance to peak. Now, we can confirm that it has been a major problem for MotoGP's young star, Pedro Acosta.

We're most used to seeing arm pump seriously affect motocross and supercross racers, and even cut careers short, as the once-promising phenom Adam Cinciarulo will attest to after he moved from the 250 to the 450 class. And ever since Acosta's first race in the premier class, it has been speculated that he has suffered from the condition.

During Acosta's first race of the 2024 season he dropped from fourth to ninth place, and some commentators said he appeared to be suffering from arm pump after moving to the larger machinery. But Acosta denied this was the case at the time.

Now, however, he has admitted he did suffer in the first race, saying, “We know where the problem comes from. The only time I had this type of issue was in my first MotoGP race. I’ve been complaining about it for a year – something needs to change.”

The young Spaniard has tried several approaches to cure the syndrome, including physiotherapy, changing his riding style, and even changing his gloves, but to no avail. Now, he's left with the option he wanted least, which is surgery.

KTM published a statment addressing the situation, and it read, “Pedro Acosta underwent surgery for chronic compartment syndrome in his right forearm... The rider will remain under observation for 24 hours and is expected to return at the French Grand Prix – the next stop on the calendar – pending medical clearance.”

The question remains whether MotoGP's latest golden boy will be cleared to race at the next round at Le Mans. But the bigger question is whether this will fix the chronic issue that plagued his premiere class career thus far.