Lindsey Vonn Hurt Badly After Ski Crash; Doctors Worry About Her Leg

Ski star Lindsey Vonn had a bad crash and broke her leg. She needs more surgeries. Doctors are concerned about her leg and say she needs to focus on healing it. She is resting and recovering after the accident.
By Newsroom | Sports, Olympics |

Lindsey Vonn's recent crash during the Winter Olympics has led to a complex tibia fracture, prompting serious medical concerns. A French knee specialist has warned that her primary goal should be to preserve her leg, highlighting the potential for amputation or lasting damage. Vonn, who competed despite a pre-existing torn ACL and a history of knee issues, is facing multiple surgeries and a lengthy recovery.

Lindsey Vonn's 'primary goal is to keep her leg': Knee specialist warns Winter Olympics legend could face amputation or 'lifelong consequences' after 'motorcycle-style' skiing crash - 1

Medical Assessment and Immediate Aftermath

Vonn's injury occurred early in the Olympic downhill competition.

Lindsey Vonn's 'primary goal is to keep her leg': Knee specialist warns Winter Olympics legend could face amputation or 'lifelong consequences' after 'motorcycle-style' skiing crash - 2

  • She reportedly crashed after clipping a gate with her shoulder.

  • She was heard screaming and was unable to remove her skis.

  • Medical personnel immediately attended to her, placing her on a stretcher and airlifted from the course.

  • She was responsive but unable to stand.

  • Later reports confirmed she underwent surgery for a leg fracture.

Nature of the Injury and Pre-existing Conditions

The extent of Vonn's injuries has been detailed, revealing a complex medical situation.

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Lindsey Vonn's 'primary goal is to keep her leg': Knee specialist warns Winter Olympics legend could face amputation or 'lifelong consequences' after 'motorcycle-style' skiing crash - 3

  • She sustained a complex tibia fracture.

  • This injury will necessitate multiple surgeries.

  • Vonn was competing with a torn ACL in her left knee, an injury she sustained days before the competition.

  • She also had bone bruising and meniscus damage.

  • Her left knee was protected by a heavy brace during training and competition.

  • Vonn has a titanium implant in her right knee from previous injuries, and had a partial titanium knee replacement in that knee.

Expert Concerns and Potential Complications

Medical professionals have expressed significant concern over Vonn's leg injury, emphasizing the severity of the situation.

Lindsey Vonn's 'primary goal is to keep her leg': Knee specialist warns Winter Olympics legend could face amputation or 'lifelong consequences' after 'motorcycle-style' skiing crash - 4

  • A French knee specialist indicated that Vonn's immediate aim should be to "keep her leg" and regain the ability to walk.

  • This specialist also warned of potential amputation or "lifelong consequences."

  • The nature of the crash, described as "motorcycle-style" by one report, may have contributed to the severity of the impact.

Vonn's Response and Future Outlook

Despite the severe injury, Vonn has publicly stated her perspective on her athletic pursuits.

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  • She has shared that she is progressing slowly after her third surgery.

  • Vonn has indicated she has no regrets about her Olympic run.

  • She expressed a belief in taking chances on oneself, stating, "Life is too short not to take chances on yourself."

  • The requirement for multiple procedures suggests a prolonged period off her feet.

Previous Injuries and Career Context

Vonn's injury occurred within the context of a career marked by significant physical challenges.

  • She had a previous crash on January 30th at Crans Montana, which resulted in her left knee injury.

  • Her return to elite ski racing the previous season, after nearly six years, was noted as remarkable given her age and injury history.

  • Vonn is one of the most successful skiers in history, holding 83 World Cup race victories.

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Sources Used:

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What happened to Lindsey Vonn?
Lindsey Vonn crashed while skiing and broke her leg. It is a serious injury called a complex tibia fracture.
Q: How bad is her injury?
She needs more surgeries and doctors are worried she might have long-term problems with her leg. They want her to focus on healing it.
Q: Did she have other injuries before?
Yes, she was already skiing with a torn knee ligament and had other past knee problems.
Q: Will she be okay?
She is recovering and had surgery. Doctors want her to heal slowly. She has no regrets about skiing.
Q: What does she do now?
She is resting and working on getting better after her surgeries.