Chinese centre Yao Ming underwent left ankle surgery on Thursday to repair an injury that ended his NBA season with the Houston Rockets and, he hinted, could possibly end his career.

Rockets team physician Tom Clanton performed the operation in Houston to repair a stress fracture that the 7-foot-6 (2.29m) goliath suffered on November 10 in a loss at Washington. Yao has played in only five games this season.

“I know this will be another long rehab, but I am looking forward to beginning my recovery,” 30-year-old Yao said in a statement.

“I will use this time to consider all of my options and will make a decision regarding my career plans as I get closer to the end of my rehab.”

Yao is not expected to be able to begin major rehabilitation work for three to four months after having pins inserted to strengthen the cracked area.

Rockets team doctor Walter Lowe told the Houston Chronicle newspaper that surgery was the “usual” and “smartest” course of action for similar situations and estimated Yao would need seven to 10 months of rehabilitation to return.

Another factor in the situation is that Yao’s contract with the Rockets expires after this season.

Yao, who missed all of last season with an injury, averaged 10.2 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.6 blocked shots but his early exit marked the sixth season in a row that Yao had his season interrupted by bone injuries.