2002.06.24: Secretary Doing Well After Undergoing Knee Surgery

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, June 24, 2002

Contact:

HHS Press Office
(202) 690-6343

SECRETARY DOING WELL AFTER UNDERGOING KNEE SURGERY

HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee this morning at the National Naval Medical Center-Bethesda in Bethesda, Md. During the exploratory arthroscopy, the surgeon found and resected a tear in his medial meniscus. The surgeon also found arthritis in the knee.

The surgery took place this morning and Secretary Thompson, 60, was released this afternoon. He is at home recovering. The Secretary, who expects to return to the office midweek, will be on crutches for at least two weeks before beginning rehabilitation of his knee.

Doctors attribute the knee problem to wear-and-tear caused over time, adding that the problem is not unusual given the Secretary's age and high level of activity.

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