Kerry Nearly Ready To Walk Again After Four-Hour Surgery

John Kerry broke his leg in a cycling accident in France. (file photo)

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry may be ready to walk again within 24 hours after a four-hour surgery mended his broken leg, his doctor said June 2.

"The procedure was uncomplicated, the fracture was fully repaired, and we plan to get him up walking on Wednesday [June 3]," said Kerry's orthopedic surgeon Dennis Burke, from Massachusetts General Hospital.

"I anticipate a short hospitalization, a full and complete recovery, and a return to normal function." Burke said.

The surgeon said he used a local anesthetic and the Kerry was conscious throughout the operation.

"I do not anticipate that this will interfere with his duties as secretary of state," he said.

Kerry broke his leg in a cycling accident in France on May 31.

Right up until he went under the surgeon's knife, the 71-year-old diplomat was working, making calls to counterparts, and then dialing into a Paris conference of nations fighting Islamic State.

Based on reporting by AFP and Reuters