Lindsey Vonn announced that she has been discharged from the hospital after a serious leg injury during the Winter Olympics. She was airlifted to the hospital while participating in the downhill event in Italy. Following multiple surgeries, Vonn was initially released from the Italian hospital to return to the United States for further medical care. In a poignant Instagram post, Vonn detailed her injuries, including compartment syndrome and a fractured ankle, expressing gratitude to her surgeon for saving her leg.
Vonn explained the complexity of her injuries, mentioning a complex tibia fracture, a fractured fibula head, and the development of compartment syndrome, which led to significant damage to her leg tissues. She credited Dr. Tom Hackett for performing a fasciotomy that prevented the need for amputation.
Reflecting on the sequence of events, Vonn highlighted the role her ACL injury played in the outcome and expressed appreciation for the successful six-hour surgery that reconstructed her leg. She also discussed the extended hospital stay due to low haemoglobin levels and the need for a blood transfusion to aid her recovery.
Currently wheelchair-bound due to a broken ankle, Vonn emphasized her commitment to rehabilitation and a step-by-step approach toward recovery. She shared a video detailing her hospital release and outlined a potential timeline for complete healing, hinting at future surgeries to address her ACL.
In a heartfelt message, Vonn expressed gratitude for the support and medical expertise that have guided her through the challenging ordeal, promising to persevere through the lengthy recovery process ahead.