Lindsey Vonn's Fifth Surgery After Olympic Crash: What You Need to Know

Lindsey Vonn has had a sixth-hour surgery after her Olympic crash, needing many plates and screws. This is her fifth surgery since the accident.
By Newsroom | Sports, Winter Sports |

Lindsey Vonn is facing a difficult recovery period after sustaining a significant injury during an Olympic downhill competition. The five-time Olympian has undergone multiple surgeries, with the latest procedure lasting over six hours. She has described her current state as "struggling" and experiencing pain that is "hard to manage." This series of events follows a terrifying crash on the slopes of Cortina d'Ampezzo, which necessitated her airlift to a hospital and subsequent return to the U.S.

Lindsey Vonn taking 'baby steps' after latest surgery that took over 6 hours: 'A lot of plates and screws' - 1

Medical Interventions and Ongoing Recovery

The athlete's journey since the crash has been marked by extensive medical attention.

Lindsey Vonn taking 'baby steps' after latest surgery that took over 6 hours: 'A lot of plates and screws' - 2

  • Initial Injury: Vonn suffered a complex tibia fracture during the women's downhill event. Reports indicate she hit a gate approximately 13 seconds into her run, leading to a severe fall.

  • Multiple Procedures: Prior to returning to the United States, Vonn underwent four surgeries in Italy to stabilize her leg for travel. A fifth surgery took place after her arrival stateside.

  • Duration of Surgery: The most recent surgery reportedly lasted over six hours, involving the insertion of "a lot of plates and screws" to address the injuries.

  • Hospitalization: Vonn remains hospitalized in the U.S. as she navigates the early stages of recovery.

  • Pain Management: She has publicly stated that managing her pain is proving challenging.

Personal Impact and Wider Context

Beyond the physical recovery, Vonn is also dealing with personal loss.

Lindsey Vonn taking 'baby steps' after latest surgery that took over 6 hours: 'A lot of plates and screws' - 3

  • Loss of Pet: Her dog of 13 years, Leo, passed away the day after her crash.

  • Previous Injuries: Vonn's career has been characterized by overcoming significant injuries, including torn ligaments and fractures, and numerous prior surgeries. Notably, she had torn her ACL during a practice run nine days before her final competition, though she competed despite this pre-existing injury.

Public Statements and Visual Evidence

Vonn has used social media platforms to share updates with her supporters, offering glimpses into her recovery process.

Lindsey Vonn taking 'baby steps' after latest surgery that took over 6 hours: 'A lot of plates and screws' - 4

  • Instagram Posts: She has posted photos and videos, including X-rays of her leg and images of herself being prepared for or recovering from surgery. These posts have detailed her pain and her ongoing "struggle."

  • "Baby Steps": In her latest updates, Vonn has characterized her progress as "baby steps," indicating a slow and deliberate return to mobility.

  • Team Appreciation: She has expressed gratitude to her medical team, specifically mentioning "Dr Viola" and "Dr Hacket" for their assistance.

Discrepancies in Reporting Timeline

While the core events are consistent, there are slight variations in the reported timeline of her return to the U.S. and the specific timing of her surgeries. However, all reports concur that she has undergone at least five surgical procedures and continues to be hospitalized.

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Expert Analysis

While no direct expert commentary is available in the provided data, the medical interventions described suggest a severe and complex injury. The prolonged duration of the latest surgery and the extensive use of internal fixation devices ("plates and screws") are indicative of significant bone damage and the need for robust structural support during the healing process.

Conclusion and Implications

Lindsey Vonn is in the initial phase of a protracted recovery following a serious leg injury sustained during an Olympic event. The multiple surgical procedures, including a recent six-hour operation, underscore the severity of her condition. Her own descriptions of "struggling" and experiencing "hard to manage" pain highlight the challenges ahead. The personal toll is further amplified by the recent death of her long-time pet. Vonn's public updates, though personal, provide a clear picture of the significant medical and emotional hurdles she is currently facing. Her return to the U.S. and ongoing hospitalization point to the need for continued medical care and rehabilitation.

Read More: Lindsey Vonn's Olympic Downhill Crash on Feb 8, 2026 Causes Multiple Surgeries and Long Recovery

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What happened to Lindsey Vonn after her Olympic crash?
Lindsey Vonn had a serious leg injury during an Olympic downhill race. She has had five surgeries so far, with the latest one lasting over six hours. She is currently in the hospital and finding it hard to manage her pain.
Q: Why did Lindsey Vonn need so many surgeries?
Vonn suffered a complex tibia fracture when she hit a gate during the race. She had four surgeries in Italy to get her leg ready to travel and a fifth surgery in the U.S. to fix the injury with many plates and screws.
Q: How is Lindsey Vonn doing now?
Lindsey Vonn says she is 'struggling' and that her pain is 'hard to manage.' She is taking 'baby steps' in her recovery and is still hospitalized.
Q: When did Lindsey Vonn's latest surgery happen?
Lindsey Vonn's fifth surgery happened on Friday, February 20th. She has been hospitalized for nearly two weeks since her crash.
Q: What is the outlook for Lindsey Vonn's recovery?
Lindsey Vonn is in the early stages of a long recovery. The multiple surgeries show how serious her injury is. She is focused on managing her pain and slowly getting better.