Thunder's Livingston has knee staples removed

Nov 18, 2009 - 2:08 AM MIAMI(AP) -- Oklahoma City forward Shaun Livingston had surgery Tuesday to remove staples from an earlier procedure on his left knee and is expected to be out three to four weeks.

"Everything went well," coach Scott Brooks said before the Thunder played the Heat in Miami. "It was minor surgery."

Livingston has spent nearly three years trying to recover from tearing three ligaments in an ugly spill during a game in February 2007.

Dr. James Andrews, who has worked on Livingston before, handled Tuesday's operation in Birmingham, Ala.

"Shaun Livingston had successful minor arthroscopic surgery on his left knee," Andrews said in a statement released by the Thunder. "His knee surfaces and previously repaired ligaments look excellent. He should be back to 100 percent in a few weeks."