UM Running Back Frank Gore Has Successful Knee Surgery

March 22, 2002

CORAL GABLES, Fla. (www.hurricanesports.com) – University of Miami running back Frank Gore underwent successful surgery to repair cartilage and ligament damage to his right knee Friday at HealthSouth Doctor’s Hospital in Coral Gables. University of Miami team physician and orthopedic surgeon Dr. John Uribe performed the surgery and was optimistic that Gore could make a full recovery.

“Frank had extensive damage of the knee, but I’m very optimistic he may be able to play this fall,” Uribe said. “He had fairly significant damage to the cartilage and the meniscii, plus a torn anterior cruciate ligament. We repaired the joint surface and the meniscus, in addition to performing a reconstruction of the ACL. However, the procedure went smoothly and he tolerated the procedure very well.”

Gore, a freshman from Coral Gables, rushed for 562 yards and five touchdowns as a true freshman in 2001. He injured the knee during practice Tuesday afternoon. Uribe said Gore will remain hospitalized at least through Friday night and could be released as soon as Saturday.

“I am optimistic that he may be able to play this fall,” Uribe said. “I say that because normally with this procedure the patient can be jogging within three months and can resume more sports specific activities in five or six months. The initial stages of rehab will be painful but, judging by his work ethic, I think he will recover quickly.”

Hurricanes head football coach Larry Coker was encouraged by the outcome of the surgery.

“While the damage to the knee was extensive, I’m glad to hear that Frank should be fine for the long term,” Coker said. “The important thing is for Frank to be healthy in life, not just for football purposes. We’d love to have him back this fall, but only if he’s fully recovered and ready to play. We know the kind of worker that Frank is, and our staff will work closely with him to make sure he makes a complete recovery.”