Derrick Rose walks out of hospital after knee surgery, Chicago Bulls GM says

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Derrick Rose walked out of the hospital after a successful procedure to repair a medial meniscus tear in his right knee, Chicago Bulls General Manager Gar Forman said.

The Chicago Bulls' star point-guard underwent knee surgery Friday morning for the third time in nearly four years. Rose blew out his left ACL in 2012, and sat out the 2012-2013 season. Rose came back for the 2013-2014 season, but played in only 10 games before having surgery for a similar injury in November 2013.

The team doctor performed a meniscectomy on the former MVP, removing the damaged part of his meniscus. Forman called the arthroscopic outpatient surgery a success and said Rose is able to bear his full weight.

"In comparison to what Derrick's had to go through the last several years, this surgery really was minor," Forman said.

Rose is expected to make a full recovery and return to the court in 4-6 weeks, depending on how rehabilitation goes.

"I think he's anxious to attack this rehab and get back on the floor with his teammates," Forman said.

At best, the former MVP would be sidelined for about five weeks, which would bring him back just before the playoffs. The surgery could also allow him to return to his acrobatic self.

"I wouldn't say stronger, but with greater ability, not feeling pain, and feel more confident about doing things. Because if things are not right, your body won't let you do certain things," said Dr. Pietro Tonino, Chief of Sports Medicine at Loyola University Medical Center.

Bulls fans, players and coaches are optimistic about Rose's chances of returning to the court this season.

"He's gone through a lot and that's our concern. We're hopeful he'll be back soon," said Tom Thibodeau, Chicago Bulls head coach.

As he prepared for surgery, Rose did not join his teammates at a Bulls charity event Thursday night. But they said they were all thinking about him.

"I saw him today, he was in good spirits. That's the main thing, worrying about how he felt after going through another one of those bad inflammation things. But he seemed in good spirits, and I know things are going to work out good," said Taj Gibson, Chicago Bulls forward.

"It's hard to see your teammate and friend go through something like that. But like I said, the teams keep coming and we have to find a way," Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah said.