Lindsey Vonn Discloses Harrowing Near-Leg Amputation Following Winter Olympics Crash
American skiing superstar Lindsey Vonn has made a shocking revelation about the severity of her injury sustained at the Winter Olympics, stating she came perilously close to losing her leg entirely. The decorated athlete expressed profound gratitude towards the doctor whose swift intervention prevented an amputation.
A Devastating Fall and Multiple Surgeries
Vonn suffered a catastrophic broken leg during the women's downhill race on February 8, an incident that has since required her to undergo numerous complex surgical procedures. In a candid video shared on Instagram this Monday, the 41-year-old confirmed her discharge from hospital while describing the injury as the most extreme, painful, and challenging ordeal of her entire career.
"Everything was in pieces," Vonn recounted, emphasizing the gravity of the damage. The skier detailed that she developed a serious condition known as compartment syndrome, where excessive trauma leads to blood accumulation that crushes muscles, nerves, and tendons within a confined space, potentially causing tissue death.
Doctor Tom Hackett's Life-Saving Intervention
Vonn credited orthopedic surgeon Dr. Tom Hackett with performing a critical fasciotomy, a procedure where both sides of her leg were surgically opened to relieve pressure and restore circulation. "Doctor Tom Hackett saved my leg. He saved my leg from being amputated," Vonn stated unequivocally, highlighting the doctor's role in her recovery.
Reflecting on the circumstances, Vonn noted a poignant twist of fate. She had entered the Olympics already managing a torn ACL, an injury she believes would have occurred regardless during the crash. "If I hadn't torn my ACL, Tom wouldn't have been there. He wouldn't have been able to save my leg," she explained, underscoring the serendipitous presence of the specialist.
Additional Injuries and the Long Road to Recovery
Beyond the broken leg, Vonn also disclosed she sustained a broken ankle and required a blood transfusion due to critically low haemoglobin levels resulting from significant blood loss during her surgeries. Her Instagram post outlined the next phases of her rehabilitation journey, which will involve progressing from a wheelchair to crutches within weeks.
The healing process for all bones is estimated to take approximately one year, after which Vonn will decide whether to undergo further surgery to remove metal implants and finally address her ACL tear. Despite the daunting timeline, Vonn remains optimistic, concluding, "It will be a long road but I'll get there. At least I'm out of the hospital."
