Rockets' Yao undergoes ankle procedure
By Sports Network
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HOUSTON, Texas. -- Houston Rockets center Yao Ming had successful ankle surgery on Thursday.
The 30-year-old, who was already ruled out for the season back in December, had a procedure done to repair a stress fracture of the medial malleolus in his left ankle, which was done by Dr. Tom Clanton at the Memorial Hermann Sports Medicine Institute.
"I'd like to thank everyone for their ongoing support," Yao said in a statement released by the team. "I know this will be another long rehab, but I'm looking forward to beginning my recovery. I will use this time to consider all of my options, and will make a decision regarding my career plans as I get closer to the end of my rehab."
Yao, the top overall pick in the 2002 NBA Draft by Houston, has played in only five games this season after missing all of 2009-10 due surgery on his left foot, and has averaged 10.2 points and 5.4 rebounds in just over 18 minutes per
The seven-time All-Star's career has been marred by injuries. He has missed significant time in four of his seasons, in addition to sitting out of the 2009-10 campaign.
Over 486 career games, Yao has posted per-game averages of 19.0 points and 9.2 rebounds in 32.5 minutes of action.
