Doctors react to Lindsey Vonn’s plan to race on torn ACL
9News • • sports
Key Points:
- Lindsey Vonn revealed she completely ruptured her ACL during a crash at the Alpine Ski World Cup but plans to compete in the upcoming Olympic race using a specialized knee brace and medical support.
- Sports medicine specialist Dr. Sean Baran explained that while an ACL injury doesn't prevent knee movement, the ligament is crucial for rotational stability, which is essential in high-speed downhill skiing.
- Baran cautioned that a knee brace cannot fully replicate the ligament's function, especially during sudden, unpredictable movements, increasing the risk of further injury.
- Vonn also sustained bone bruising and possible meniscal damage, complicating her injury, and her decision to race involves careful risk assessment between her and her medical team.
- Vonn acknowledged that