Winter Olympics: A Serious Crash
Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn (41), has said she almost lost her leg in a crash that occurred during the downhill women’s event at Cortina on 8th February. Nine days after damaging ligaments on her left leg, the American skier sustained a complicated tibia break.
She was saved by emergency surgery
Vonn thanked her surgeon Dr Tom Hackett for the life-saving fasciotomy he performed to prevent amputation. She said that her leg had “broken” into pieces and she was suffering from compartment syndrome. This is a condition where pressure builds up in the legs, restricting blood flow.
“Dr Hackett saved my leg. Vonn stated that “He cut both sides open so the leg could breathe.”
The Long Road to Recovery
Vonn, who underwent four surgeries in Italy last year, returned to the United States this week. Vonn described her decision to leave the hospital and move into a hotel in a new city as “a big step.” Her broken ankle and leg will keep her in a wheel chair for the time being.Vonn underwent six-hours of reconstructive surgery.
Plans for Rehabilitation and Future Plans
Her bones will take up to one year to heal. Vonn said she would decide later whether or not to remove her metal implants and proceed with ACL surgery.
I’m not mobile at all but will be using crutches in the near future. She said she would be using crutches for two months.
Vonn, despite the seriousness of her injuries and her gratitude to her team of doctors, remains optimistic.
