Press Release
August 4, 2002

Detroit Red Wings captain Steve Yzerman underwent a successful knee osteotomy today. The procedure was performed by Dr. Peter Fowler of London, Ontario and observed by Red Wings team physician Dr. David Collon.

An osteotomy is a procedure that corrects the alignment of the knee, thus transferring pressure to the proper area. Following the procedure, Dr. Collon described the surgery as “totally successful” and noted that the examination of the knee during the procedure confirmed that the osteotomy was definitely the required procedure.

Yzerman is expected to return to the Wings’ lineup during a window of late December to early February.

“We’re very pleased with the result of Steve’s surgery,” said Detroit General Manager Ken Holland. “We’re optimistic that he will return to the lineup sometime in the middle of the 2002-03 season.”

The name of the hospital has not been released as the Yzerman family requests that media and fans respect their privacy during the initial recovery and rehabilitation process.