Lindsey Vonn’s Surgery Prevents Leg Amputation After Olympic Crash
American skier Lindsey Vonn recently shared her recovery journey following a serious accident during the 2026 Winter Olympics. After crashing just seconds into her downhill race, she underwent surgery to save her leg from amputation, avoiding what could have been a life-altering outcome.
Lindsey Vonn’s Surgery Details
Vonn credited her surgeon, Dr. Tom Hackett, with performing the intricate procedure known as a fasciectomy. This surgery involved extensive opening of her leg to address multiple injuries:
- Complex tibia fracture
- Multiple fractures
- Compartment syndrome, a painful condition caused by pressure buildup around muscles
Additionally, she suffered a broken right ankle and required a blood transfusion. Vonn described her condition as “everything was in pieces,” emphasizing the severity of her injuries.
Recovery Progress
After nearly two weeks in the hospital, Vonn was finally discharged. She expressed her excitement about moving to a hotel as a significant step in her recovery. “It’s not home yet, but it’s a huge step!” she shared on Instagram.
Vonn is now focused on her rehabilitation process. She aims to transition from a wheelchair to crutches in the coming weeks. Her recovery timeline is expected to take around a year, during which she will assess the need for further surgeries to remove metal implants and address her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.
Olympic Incident Recounted
At 41 years old and living in Colorado, Vonn had made the decision to compete in the Olympics despite having ruptured her left ACL prior to the event. During the race, she lost control after appearing to clip a flag at the edge of the course. The incident propelled her sideways, resulting in a severe impact with the ground.
Although she was responsive following the crash, medical personnel airlifted her for immediate care. Despite this ordeal, Vonn maintains a positive outlook, stating, “I’d rather go down swinging than not try at all.”
With her fierce spirit and determination, Lindsey Vonn’s journey continues as she navigates recovery from this life-changing experience.
