Shaky problem for Democrat Kerry

Kerry probably won't be shaking anyone's hand for a while

US presidential hopeful John Kerry has hit a campaign snag - he needs surgery for a shoulder injury which will probably stop him from shaking hands.

Mr Kerry tore a tendon in January, when his campaign bus stopped abruptly during a tour of the US state of Iowa.

He will have minor surgery on Wednesday and will not be able to perform the traditional greeting for weeks.

Instead, the Democratic challenger may have to wave to supporters and voters instead of "pressing the flesh".

Pain

The Massachusetts senator apparently felt well enough for a recent skiing and snowboarding holiday.

However, he reported pain after certain movements - including holding babies while on the campaign trail, his spokesman told AFP - and so chose to have the tendon surgically repaired.

Dr Bertram Zarins, who will perform the surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, said the procedure should only take about 45 minutes.

Mr Kerry will be allowed home the same day and will wear a sling for a day or two before heading back on the campaign trail early next week.

Dr Zarins added that Mr Kerry, after two to three weeks of abstinence, will be able to resume hand-shaking duties as his strength improves.

"When he tries to shake a hand - if it doesn't hurt, then I think it's alright for him to do it," he told Reuters news agency.

Mr Kerry is said to be in otherwise perfect health.