LINCOLN Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen will have another operation on Christmas following his horseback riding mishap.
According to the governor’s office, Pillen chose a rib fixing treatment in which physicians will use metal plates to stabilize his seven shattered ribs.
The idea is to help his ribs recover in the long run and avoid complications.
Pillen’s operation at the University of Nebraska Medical Center is expected to last about four hours, according to a spokesperson.
During that period, Lt. Governor Joe Kelly will serve as acting governor.
Pillen has “progressed well,” his office stated in a news release, and his other injuries are healing.
He will stay at UNMC for a few more days to recover following his rib surgery.
The governor was injured on Sunday when a fresh horse threw him off.
He was transferred to Columbus Community Hospital and then to UNMC, where surgeons did minor surgery to stem bleeding in his spleen.
Pillen also had his kidney sliced, his lung partially collapsed, and one of his vertebrae fractured.