Team manager O’Connor has knee surgery

By J-W Staff Reports     Jan 9, 2004

Kansas University men’s basketball team manager Shannon O’Connor underwent arthroscopic surgery on her left knee Wednesday at the Lawrence Surgery Center to repair a torn ACL she suffered during a skiing accident Christmas Eve in Aspen, Colo.

Surgeon Jeff Randall performed the operation, which lasted around three hours, creating a new ACL from tendons in O’Connor’s hamstring.

“It was a pretty clean tear,” said O’Connor, an Emporia senior. “I was lucky enough that I didn’t have a meniscus tear or cartilage damage, which will help with the healing process. They took the tendons from right below my knee, and it hurts from that point to the top of my leg.

“My knee doesn’t hurt nearly as bad as that does.”

O’Connor, who has become a fan favorite after appearances in the Women of KU calendar, will wear an immobilizing knee brace until Jan. 16, when she will be able to walk with the aid of crutches and a walking brace for a week or two.

She expects to rejoin the team at practices by early next week, and will be courtside for the Jayhawks’ game Jan. 14 against Kansas State.

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