Greg Oden Has Successful Left Knee Surgery

kellex bDec 6, 2009

"GREG ODEN UNDERGOES SUCCESSFUL SURGERY ON LEFT KNEE

Portland Trail Blazers center Greg Oden will miss the remainder of the 2009-10 season after undergoing successful surgery Sunday to repair a fracture in his left patella, it was announced by General Manager Kevin Pritchard.

The surgery was performed by Dr. Don Roberts at Salmon Creek Medical Center in Vancouver, Wash.

The injury occurred at the 7:45 mark of the first quarter in Saturday’s 90-89 win vs. Houston. Oden, 21, underwent an MRI Saturday, confirming the fracture.

“We are thankful today that Greg's surgery went well and Dr. Roberts projects a full recovery,” said Pritchard. “Greg is an important member of our Trail Blazers family, and we look forward to getting him healed and eventually back on the floor. Greg has overcome adversity before, and I am confident he will do so again.”

In 20 games prior to the injury, Oden averaged 11.7 points (60.5% FG), and team highs of 8.8 rebounds and 2.40 blocks. Entering Saturday, Oden ranked second in the NBA in blocked shots and fourth in field goal percentage.

Oden’s 15.6 points per game in the seven contests before the injury (Nov. 20-Dec. 1) marked the best seven-game stretch of his career. The second-year center out of Ohio Stateimproved his averages in every major statistical category from last season, seeing marked increases in points, rebounds, assists, blocked shots, field goal percentage and free throw percentage.
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