Yao Ming Decides To Have Surgery on Fractured Left Foot

Sports Betting News - July 17, 2009 - Written by Bruce

Yao Ming ended his 2009 season in game 3 of the second round in the NBA playoffs against the Lakers who eventually became NBA champs in 2009. It was the second time Yao fractured the same left foot and early indications were it might actually end his professional basketball career. Yao originally planed on resting the foot in a boot, hoping it would heal itself with time, however after a check up in June doctors noticed the fracture did not heal at all. Yao consulted with an assortment of doctors all over the country an decided a surgical procedure was the best way to heal the foot fracture.

Yao also contacted Cleveland Cavaliers center Zydrunas ILgauskas who had the same type of injury 8 years ago. ESPN sports reports Yao and Z had a long talk and Yao made his decision shortly afterwards stating. "I am confident that the path I have chosen is the best one," "I know I have a lot of work ahead of me before I can be back on the court, and I am committed to do whatever I can to make my recovery 100 percent successful. I have full confidence I'll play again."

Dr. Tom Clayton was elected by Yao and the Rockets to perform the surgery. The hope is Yao can return to his feet in 6 to 8 weeks after the surgery and may be able to return to game time action in 6 months. The Rockets have already stated that Yao will likely be out the entire 2009 season returning in 2010 for preseason work outs. That camp begins in October. That's 16 months Yao will have to recover after the surgery.

The surgery is a complicated procedure that involves a bone graft that will heal the fractured bone and he will have his arch surgically lowered to support his 7-foot-6 frame. ESPN reports the NBA approved the request of the Rockets for the disabled player exemption allowing the Rockets 5.7 million dollars of cap room. The Rockets used this cap room to sign free agent Trevor Ariza but, Ariza will likely be all alone on the court at the start of the 2009 season. Do to these reports Yao is officially out for the 2009 season and two time NBA scoring champion Tracy McGrady is likely to miss the first half of the 2009 season. The Rockets finished last year 2nd in their division behind the Spurs and won 53 games on the season. The Rockets likely will not have the same luck this year.