Lindsey Vonn says surgery saved her from having her left leg amputated

Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn faced a harrowing medical crisis following a crash in Cortina, Italy, requiring multiple surgeries and a blood transfusion. The injuries, described as the most severe of her career, involved significant trauma to her leg and a broken right ankle.

The Nature of the Injuries

Vonn described the trauma to her leg as so extensive that it caused massive blood accumulation, leading to a dangerous compression of tissues. “When you have so much trauma to one area of your body so that there’s too much blood and it gets stuck and it basically crushes everything,” she said.

Did You Know? Dr. Tom Hackett, an orthopedic surgeon with Team USA, performed a critical fasciotomy – a procedure to relieve pressure – on Vonn’s leg, potentially saving it.

The severity of the situation necessitated a fasciotomy, a surgical procedure where the affected area is opened to relieve pressure. Vonn credited Dr. Tom Hackett with performing this life-saving intervention, stating, “He filleted it open (and) let it breathe, and he saved me.”

A Fortuitous Presence

Remarkably, Dr. Hackett’s presence in Cortina was a direct result of Vonn’s decision to compete despite a recent ACL tear in her left knee. “If I hadn’t had done that, Tom wouldn’t have been there (and he) wouldn’t have been able to save my leg,” Vonn explained.

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Following a week-long hospital stay in Treviso, Italy, Vonn is now discharged but “very much immobile” and relying on a wheelchair. Her initial focus is on regaining mobility, with the goal of transitioning to crutches. She anticipates approximately one year for her leg bones to heal before surgeons can address the pre-existing ACL tear, which was not involved in the recent crash.

Expert Insight: The prolonged recovery timeline highlights the complex nature of severe musculoskeletal trauma. Multiple surgeries and a phased rehabilitation approach are often necessary to restore function and minimize long-term complications.

Vonn acknowledged the arduous road ahead, characterizing the injuries as “quite the journey” and “by far the most extreme and painful and challenging injury” she’s ever experienced. Despite the pain and challenges, she maintains a determined outlook, stating, “I always fight and we keep going.”

Looking Ahead

While the future of her competitive career remains unaddressed, Vonn expressed no regrets about her return to skiing or competing at the Olympics. She stated, “I wish it had ended differently, but I’d rather go down swinging than not try at all.” She views her accomplishments this year as “incredible and so worth everything.”

Although her father, Alan Kildow, reportedly suggested retirement, Vonn remains resilient, comparing herself to Rocky Balboa and vowing to continue fighting. She accepts the challenges as “life” and intends to “do the best I can with this one.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of surgery did Lindsey Vonn undergo?

Lindsey Vonn underwent multiple surgeries during her week-long hospital stay in Italy to address the trauma to her leg and her broken right ankle.

Who performed the critical surgery on Vonn’s leg?

Dr. Tom Hackett, an orthopedic surgeon who works with Vonn and Team USA, performed a fasciotomy on her leg.

How long is Vonn expected to be in rehabilitation?

Vonn estimates it will take about a year for the bones in her left leg to heal, after which doctors can address the torn ACL.

Considering the significant physical and emotional toll of this injury, what does resilience mean to you?