"Will be a long road”: Lindsey Vonn reveals near leg amputation and blood transfusion following Milano Cortina downhill accident

American alpine skiing great Lindsey Vonn has detailed the horrifying extent of her injuries after a downhill crash at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, as she said she almost lost her left leg and needed a blood transfusion.

On Instagram, she shared an emotional post days after the accident and described the ordeal as one of the most traumatic experiences of her career. The 41-year-old, who said emergency surgery ultimately saved her leg from amputation, also recognized that recovery will be long and arduous, writing, “It will be a long road” as she starts rehabilitation.

How Lindsey Vonn’s emergency surgery prevented leg amputation

Vonn’s crash came early in the women’s downhill when she clipped a gate, lost control, and was sent crashing to the ground. What had seemed like a fracture escalated into a much more serious medical emergency.

Her left leg had multiple breaks, including a complicated tibial fracture. More crucially, doctors determined that she was developing compartment syndrome, a life-threatening condition in which swelling and internal bleeding raise pressure within muscle compartments. If not treated right away, the condition can restrict blood flow, damage tissue irreparably, and eventually lead to amputation.


Surgeons did an emergency fasciotomy (a cutting open of the area) in order to relieve pressure and restore blood flow, Vonn said. The surgery was essential in stabilizing her condition. She subsequently had several hours of extensive reconstructive surgery. Vonn needed a blood transfusion to address dangerously low hemoglobin levels because of excessive blood loss during and after the procedures.

She attributed her condition to her medical team’s swift and decisive action, adding that their intervention ultimately saved her leg.

Lindsey Vonn faces long rehabilitation after Milano Cortina crash

After undergoing a number of surgeries, Vonn is in recovery mode now. She said she was briefly using a wheelchair while anticipating a lengthy rehabilitation process. Doctors estimate that it will take close to a year for her bone to fully heal and that she may need additional procedures once her leg stabilizes.

The Olympic gold medalist has battled many injuries in her illustrious career, including tears to her knee ligaments and fractures, but she called this one exceptionally terrifying. Despite the disappointment, Vonn said she was grateful for the support she has received from fans and fellow athletes and medical professionals.


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