HEALTH OF THE KING

King Juan Carlos discharged after successful hip surgery

Monarch told to take recuperation gently and must have second operation to fit permanent prosthesis in around two months’ time

King Juan Carlos smiles as he is driven from Hospital Quirón on Tuesday.Ballesteros (EFE)

King Juan Carlos was released from the hospital in Madrid on Tuesday following a successful operation to eliminate an infection stemming from a prosthetic hip.

“Post-operative recovery has been completed very satisfactorily and the king is now fit enough for everyday mobility,” said the director of the Hospital Universitario Quirón. “In the coming weeks, Don Juan Carlos will continue with his treatment, post-operative check-ups and a program of recuperation.”

On leaving the center, the king paused briefly to answer reporters’ questions as to how he was feeling. “Good, good. As you can see, wonderfully.” The lead surgeon in the intervention, Miguel Cabanela, has recommended the king not be too “aggressive” in his recuperation and prescribed walking in a swimming pool for the monarch to regain his strength. He will be required to use a walking frame for around three-and-a-half months before he can transfer again to crutches.

In around seven weeks’ time, the king will undergo another operation to have a permanent prosthetic inserted in place of the temporary one, which is covered with an antibiotic to prevent the infection from reoccurring.

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