Knee operation a success for Woods
Tiger Woods has undergone successful reconstructive surgery on the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.
The procedure was performed by Dr Thomas Rosenberg and Dr Vernon Cooley, who did arthroscopic surgery on that same knee for Woods in April.
“It was important to me to have the surgery as soon as possible, so that I could begin the rehabilitation process,” Woods said.
“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 also wanted to thank everyone for their well wishes over the past week. I look forward to working hard at my rehabilitation over the coming months and returning to the PGA Tour healthy next year.”
The doctors were just as positive about Woods’ chances of a full return to form.
“We’re confident going in to this surgery and I am pleased with the results,” Dr Rosenberg said.
“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.”
It has been a whirlwind week for Woods, who announced he would have to undergo surgery two days after winning his 14th Major title at the US Open in a sudden-death playoff on June 16.
In addition to recovery from his second knee surgery this year, Woods will require time off to rehabilitate a double stress fracture of his left tibia that was discovered last month.
The stress fractures were attributed to Woods’ intense rehabilitation and preparations for the US Open.
Despite noticeably limping and being in obvious pain, Woods won the Open at Torrey Pines by defeating Rocco Mediate in a 19-hole play-off.
The surgery means that Woods will miss, among other tournaments, next month’s Open and the Ryder Cup scheduled for September at Valhalla, just outside of Louisville, Kentucky.
Woods’ triumph at Torrey Pines was made even more amazing since it marked the first time he had walked a course for a full 18 holes since he underwent knee surgery in mid-April to repair cartilage damage.
The initial surgery – two days after Woods finished second in The Masters – was designed at delaying an ACL procedure in hopes that he could get through the season.
Woods originally ruptured the ACL in 2007 following the Open while he was running at home.
After electing to not have surgery, he went on to win five of the next six events he entered.
