(CNN) – Former Defense Secretary Robert Gates was back home on Thursday after injuring his neck in a fall on New Year's Day.
Gates accidentally fell and fractured his first vertebrae at his home in Washington state, according to a statement by his office that said nothing more about what occurred.
Gates, 70, was treated at two hospitals, including one in Seattle. He then returned home and was resting comfortably. He is expected to make a full recovery.
Gates led the Pentagon for parts of two presidential administrations under George W. Bush and Barack Obama.
He is due to release his memoir, "Duty," on January 14. He still plans a media tour but will be wearing a neck brace, the statement said.
Gates was also a career CIA officer and headed the agency under President George H.W. Bush.
– CNN's Barbara Starr contributed to this report.