HOUSTON (December 05, 2008)

Olympic champion hurdler Liu Xiang underwent successful surgery this morning at Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center for treatment due to an injury of his Achilles tendon on the right foot. Xiang is currently listed in good condition.

"Liu Xiang had a painful Achilles calcific tendonitis that had not responded to extensive non-operative treatment. After consultation with numerous medical experts, the decision was made to remove the calcific deposits within the tendon. The surgery was successful and we expect a complete recovery over the next six months," said Thomas Clanton, MD, orthopedic surgeon at Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center and professor of orthopaedic surgery at The University of Texas Medical School at Houston.