Houston Rockets center Yao Ming had surgery yesterday to repair a stress fracture in his left ankle, a procedure the seven-times NBA All-Star said could ultimately end his career.

The seven-foot six-inch (2.3-metre) Yao injured his ankle in the first quarter of Houston's 98-91 loss to the Washington Wizards on November 10 and has not played since.

"I know this will be another long rehab, but I'm looking forward to beginning my recovery," China's 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, 30, missed all of last season after fracturing a bone in his left foot that required surgery. He has played in only five of his team's 35 games this season.