Kerry's surgeon to accompany him to U.S. for leg treatment

WASHINGTON — Secretary of State John Kerry's orthopedic surgeon will accompany him on the flight from Geneva to the United States for treatment of Kerry's broken leg, the State Department said Monday.

Spokesman John Kirby said that Dr. Dennis Burke will accompany Kerry to Boston to monitor the secretary's condition and "ensure he remains comfortable."

Kerry, 71, fractured his right femur Sunday when he struck a curb with his bicycle and fell on a regular Tour de France route southeast of Geneva. He has been receiving treatment at Geneva's main medical center, HUG.

Earlier, Kirby described Kerry as "in great spirits and active," making "a range of phone calls including with the president." He "never lost consciousness, his injury is not life-threatening and he is expected to make a full recovery," Kirby said.

"Secretary Kerry will be transported to Boston aboard a U.S. military C-17 transport aircraft," he said. "The aircraft, based in Ramstein, Germany, will be staffed by additional military medical personnel in keeping with standard practice."

Kerry's precise travel plans were not announced, but he will receive further care at Massachusetts General Hospital once he returns home. Kerry had hip replacement surgery several years ago.

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