Swiss doctors confirm Beltrametti prognosis

Doctor Guido Zäch informs the media about Beltrametti's condition Keystone

Swiss skiing star Silvano Beltrametti has undergone his first examination since being transferred to the national paraplegic centre in Nottwil, with doctors there confirming that his paralysis will be permanent.

The 22-year-old skier, who sustained horrific injuries after crashing out of Saturday’s World Cup downhill race in Val d’Isère, was flown back to Switzerland on Monday at the request of his family.

The medical team responsible for Beltrametti’s welfare said they hoped to operate on the young star later this week with the aim of improving his general condition.

“The main objective of the operation,” explained surgeon Patrick Moulin, “will be to relieve the current pressure and tension on the displaced spinal cord and to recover the spine’s ability to bear weight.”

Paralysis irreversible

Moulin stressed that the paralysis in Beltrametti’s legs was irreversible but added that the operation should help prevent the condition from spreading.

Following the operation it should also be possible for doctors to reactivate organs such as the bladder and intestines, which have been unable to function since the accident.

The head of the medical team, Doctor Guido Zach, estimated that Beltrametti’s rehabilitation would last from around four to six months, after which the youngster should be able to return to his family and consider a new career.

Delay not a factor

Saturday’s tragic crash has reignited the debate over safety and medical supervision in high-speed sport. However the doctors in Nottwil insisted that Beltrametti’s condition was not worsened by the one-hour delay in getting him to Grenoble hospital.

According to Dr Zach the delay, caused by the absence of a helicopter with winching capability, had “no neurological effect.” Beltrametti’s injuries had been instantaneous, Zach insisted.

Beltrametti website

Given the enormous wave of sympathy generated by Beltrametti’s accident, the Swiss skiing association has decided to set up a specific website, where fans and well-wishers can keep up to date with the young star’s condition and send ‘good luck’ messages.

The address of the website is www.Beltra.ch, while those wishing to send emails to Beltrametti can contact him via the skiing association at [e-mail].

swissinfo with agencies