Lindsey Vonn’s ‘car crash’ injury explained: How long could her recovery take and will she ski again?
The New York Times • • sports
Key Points:
- Lindsey Vonn returned to the U.S. and was discharged from hospital two and a half weeks after her severe crash in the Olympic downhill race, suffering complex fractures in her left leg and a broken right ankle.
- Her injuries included a complex tibia fracture extending into the knee joint, a fibula head fracture, and compartment syndrome, which required emergency fasciotomy surgery to relieve dangerous pressure and prevent amputation.
- Treatment involved initial stabilization with an external fixator, followed by a six-hour surgery to insert multiple plates and screws; full healing and hardware removal will take significant time.
- Rehabilitation will be lengthy and demanding, focusing first on joint mobility, then strength and balance, with weight-bearing typically delayed for about six weeks;
