Lindsey Vonn says surgery saved her from losing leg following Olympic crash
AP News • • general
Key Points:
- Lindsey Vonn revealed that her left leg was nearly amputated after a severe crash in the women's downhill at the Milan Cortina Olympics, which caused a complex tibia fracture and compartment syndrome.
- The compartment syndrome required an emergency fasciotomy performed by Dr. Tom Hackett, who Vonn credits with saving her leg by relieving the pressure and restoring blood flow.
- In addition to her left leg injuries, Vonn also broke her right ankle, underwent multiple surgeries, and is currently immobile and confined to a wheelchair, with an estimated year-long recovery before further ACL repair.
- Despite the severity of her injuries, Vonn expressed no regrets about her Olympic comeback after a six-year retirement and remains determined to recover and continue fighting through rehabilitation.
