41.   Kostelic underwent her third surgery of the year in late September to remove damaged cartilage from her left knee.

42.   Lemieux admittedly hastened his recovery after the operation to remove torn cartilage, so he might not want to risk returning prematurely this time.

43.   Removing the cartilage would get Davis back on the floor quicker but would invite long-term wear and tear in the joint, Perry said.

44.   She underwent an arthroscopic surgery in September to remove some cartilage - the third operation on her right knee.

45.   Sacramento Kings guard Sarunas Marciulionis, who expects to play for Lithuania in the Olympics, had arthroscopic surgery Wednesday to remove loose cartilage from his right knee.

46.   Skiing World Cup champion Janica Kostelic of Croatia has undergone surgery for the third time this year to remove damaged cartilage from her left knee.

47.   Stockton, who has missed only four games during his entire NBA career, had arthroscopic surgery Monday night to remove loose cartilage from his left knee.

48.   Thomas, who had loose cartilage removed from the knee, is expected to miss at least six weeks.

49.   Ward will undergo surgery Monday to remove loose cartilage from his right knee.

50.   Faulk underwent arthroscopy on his left knee to remove loose cartilage.