TORONTO -- Vince Carter underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee Tuesday and should be healthy by the start of next season.

	Carter

"The surgery went well," Toronto Raptors surgeon Paul Marks said. "We encountered minor findings of inflammation, but no major structural problems. We expect Vince to have a full recovery from the problems."

Carter's knee problems grew progressively worse since early February. Doctors determined the condition of Carter's knee was not improving and recommended surgery.

Doctors determined that Carter's injury is a weakened quadriceps tendon near the top of his knee. He missed seven games with the injury last year.

"We're trying to do everything we can to minimize the possibility of this recurring," Marks said. "It may not possible to totally eliminate it."

Carter averaged 24.7 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 39.8 minutes in 60 games. The injury kept him out of the All-Star game.

The Raptors have struggled since Carter injured his knee in a game against San Antonio on Feb. 7.

Toronto lost seven straight games before Carter returned in an effort to end the streak. Hobbled, Carter didn't make a difference.

Toronto lost 17 of 18 games since the All-Star break to fall eight games below .500 (30-38) before Friday's game against Cleveland. Toronto has since won two straight since Carter opted for surgery.