National Basketball Association

Hornets: David West has successful knee surgery

Published Apr. 12, 2011 10:32 p.m. ET

foxsports

The New Orleans Hornets' team doctor says star forward David West has had successful surgery to repair a torn ligament in his left knee and is expected to recover fully.

West has been out since tearing his left anterior cruciate ligament during the Hornets' victory at Utah on March 24 and is not expected to return to the court until next season.

Hornets orthopedist Dr. Scott Montgomery says West has been preparing for surgery since the injury by getting the swelling down.

The Hornets say Tuesday's surgery was performed by Dr. David Altchek in New York and that the typical rehabilitation period is six to eight months.

West has one season remaining on his contract, but could choose to opt out and become a free agent.