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By DOUG FERGUSON
Associated Press
Tiger Woods had reconstructive surgery on his left knee Tuesday in Utah to repair a torn ligament, and doctors said it was “highly unlikely” there would be any long-term effects.
It was the second time in 10 weeks Woods had surgery on his knee, this time on his anterior cruciate ligament.
“We were confident going into this surgery, and I am pleased with the results,” Dr. Thomas D. Rosenberg said in a statement released by IMG, Woods’ management company.
“There were no surprises during the procedure, and as we have said, with the proper rehabilitation and training, it is highly unlikely that Mr. Woods will have any long-term effects as it relates to his career.”
The surgery came one week after Woods went 91 holes at Torrey Pines to win the U.S. Open in a playoff over Rocco Mediate, revealing later that he also had a double stress fracture in his left tibia.
The surgery, performed by Rosenberg and Dr. Vernon J. Cooley in Park City, was the fourth time Woods has had surgery on his left knee. He had a benign tumor removed in 1994, and he had benign cysts removed in 2002, along with fluid around the ACL.
Woods said he tore his ACL while jogging last year after the British Open, but tried to make it through the end of this season without surgery. Two days after his runner-up finish at the Masters, he had surgery to clean out cartilage in his left knee.
The world's No. 1 player announced last week that he would miss the rest of the season, which includes two more major championships and the Ryder Cup.
“It was important to me to have the surgery as soon as possible so that I could begin the rehabilitation process,” Woods said in a statement. “I am very appreciative of Dr. Rosenberg and Dr. Cooley and his staff's guidance and look forward to working with them through the necessary rehabilitation and training.
“I look forward to working hard at my rehabilitation over the coming months and returning to the PGA Tour healthy next year.”
He did not say when he would start his rehab or any timetable for his return.
Posted: 6/24/2008
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