Two-time MotoGP world champion Casey Stoner has revealed he underwent spinal fusion surgery three months ago to address a long-standing injury first sustained in a crash during the 2003 season.
The 40-year-old Australian, who retired from MotoGP at the end of 2012, announced the procedure in an Instagram post, confirming he had an L5-S1 spinal fusion and L4-5 disc replacement. The operation took place approximately three months ago, placing it around late April 2026.
Stoner explained that the injury occurred during his second full campaign in the 125cc World Championship in 2003, when he crashed head-first into hay bales. The impact compressed his spine, and although he managed the pain throughout his decorated career and into retirement, the condition worsened significantly in recent years.
"It all started with a crash back in 2003, when I went head first into some hay bales," Stoner wrote. "The impact compressed my spine, and while I managed it as best I could for over 20 years, the last couple of years – and especially the final six months – became unbearable. It got to the point where surgery was the only real option."
Stoner described the recovery as challenging but ultimately life-changing. "Recovery has definitely had its ups and downs, but overall my back hasn't felt this good for as long as I can remember," he said.
"What's surprised me most is realising that even when I thought my back felt 'good' before, I was still living with constant pain. It's only now that I've experienced what having no back pain actually feels like."
The 2007 and 2011 world champion has grappled with well-documented health issues since retiring, most notably chronic fatigue syndrome, which has frequently prevented him from riding. This spinal problem, however, was a separate and less-publicised condition Stoner had managed silently for more than two decades.
Stoner thanked his medical team in the same post. "I'm incredibly grateful to my surgeon and the entire medical team who looked after me throughout the process. Thank you for giving me my quality of life back."
The announcement follows years of limited on-track appearances for Stoner, who occasionally took part in demonstrations and test rides when his health allowed. The successful procedure could enable the Australian to engage more freely with the sport that made him a global icon.
Sources
- https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/1101551/1/motogp-champion-casey-stoner-reveals-fresh-surgery-20-year-old-spine-injury
