Broken transmission shifter lever

[Tyson128]

This morning as my wife was powering up the 2002 XLT The columm shift lever broke off in her hand. I notice that the aluminum (pot metal) casting sleeve going into the columm itself was busted. Now she can't remove the key from the columm. the car only turns on in and stays in "park"
Has anyone had this problem before?
What is the solution? Do we have to replace the whole steering section?
Is there a separate part for replacing the shift knob assembly?

I've noticed that the lever itself is not broken, The cylinder that is connected as the pivets on the lever and is in the columm is busted.

 

[EasyRhino]

This morning as my wife was powering up the 2002 XLT The columm shift lever broke off in her hand. I notice that the aluminum (pot metal) casting sleeve going into the columm itself was busted. Now she can't remove the key from the columm. the car only turns on in and stays in "park"
Has anyone had this problem before?
What is the solution? Do we have to replace the whole steering section?
Is there a separate part for replacing the shift knob assembly?

I've noticed that the lever itself is not broken, The cylinder that is connected as the pivets on the lever and is in the columm is busted.

This problem has been discussed in the past, so you are not the first to experience this. I highly recommend doing a search of the forum to find a more detailed answer. I seem to remember a body of thought that the only repair available was to replace the steering column - hope that's not the case.