Paul Hamm has hand surgery

COLUMBUS, Ohio, May 28 (UPI) -- U.S. gymnast Paul Hamm, who won the all-around gold medal in the 2004 Olympics, underwent surgery on his right hand to repair a broken bone.

Doctors inserted a plate and nine screws into the fourth metacarpal of Hamm's right hand Tuesday in what was described as a successful surgery. Hamm injured his hand in a fall during a parallel bars routine during last week's U.S. Gymnastics Championships.

"The surgery went perfectly, "Hamm said. "We are already ahead of schedule."

Hamm was to meet with Dr. Lawrence Lubbers this week to determine a rehabilitation program.

The injury could keep Hamm from competing in the U.S. gymnastics team trials June 19-22. He could, however, petition the Men's Olympic Selection Committee for a spot on the U.S. team headed for the Beijing Olympics.

If Hamm's petition is accepted, he would have to prove competitive readiness during a U.S. team preparation camp July 13-22 in Colorado Springs.

The 2008 Summer Olympics are scheduled for Aug. 8-24 in Beijing.