MotoGP race winner Marco Melandri has had surgery on his left arm to correct a problem that hampered his title challenge this season.

"I have struggled during the whole year because my left arm tended to stiffen up more and more often," the Italian said on his personal web site after the operation in Forli.

"Despite medical treatment, the situation got worse and worse with every race.

"After the operation, I'll take two weeks off before getting on the Honda 800cc in Jerez at the end of the month."

The 24-year-old won three races this season and finished fourth overall, one point behind compatriot Loris Capirossi. He suffered concussion and injured his collarbone in a six-rider pile-up at the start of the Catalan Grand Prix in June.