He now faces four months out of the side.
Manager Paul Ince said: "We gave him an injection a couple of weeks ago, hoping that would do the trick, but he's not getting there so we've no option but to put him under the knife.
"It's a massive blow to us, and especially for the lad because he has been fantastic on and off the field.
"I gave him the responsibility of being vice-captain, which he took on board and he has been bubbly since I gave him that role.
"When you think about him, he is 28 now, but three or four years ago he would have been worth £15million or £16million.
"That's the type of player we're losing. It's a kick in the ribs, but we're going to have to get on with it.
"He is obviously devastated, which I can totally understand because he has been playing well.
"He is a unique player in what he does. There are not many of his like around.
"He is a special case, and that's why it's so disappointing to lose him."