American Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn revealed she nearly faced leg amputation following a crash during the women’s downhill race at the , 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics. The 41-year-old athlete shared details of the harrowing experience and the life-saving surgery she underwent in an Instagram post on , 2026.
Vonn’s injury, initially diagnosed as a complex tibia fracture after she clipped a gate just 13 seconds into her run, proved far more serious. The crash triggered compartment syndrome in her leg, a condition where swelling and bleeding create intense pressure, restricting blood flow to muscles and potentially causing permanent damage.
“Compartment syndrome is when you have so much trauma to one area of your body that there’s too much blood, and it gets stuck, and it basically crushes everything in the compartment,” Vonn explained. “So, all the muscle and nerves and tendons, it all kind of dies.”
The critical intervention came from Dr. Tom Hackett, an orthopedic surgeon and team physician for the U.S. Snowboard Team. Dr. Hackett performed a fasciotomy, a surgical procedure to relieve the pressure. Vonn described the procedure as “filleting” her leg open on both sides to allow for the swelling to subside and restore blood flow.
Understanding Compartment Syndrome
Compartment syndrome is a serious condition often resulting from significant trauma, such as fractures, crush injuries, or even intense exercise. Muscles are encased within fascial compartments – strong, non-stretchable coverings. When bleeding or swelling occurs within a compartment, the pressure rises rapidly. This increased pressure compromises blood supply, potentially leading to muscle and nerve damage, and tissue death.
Symptoms of acute compartment syndrome include severe pain, especially with passive stretching of the affected muscles, numbness or tingling, and a feeling of tightness in the compartment. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent long-term complications.
The Role of Fasciotomy
A fasciotomy is often the definitive treatment for acute compartment syndrome. The procedure involves surgically releasing the pressure within the affected compartment by making incisions along the length of the fascia. This allows the swollen tissues to expand, relieving pressure and restoring blood flow.
While a fasciotomy is life-saving, This proves a significant surgical intervention. It often requires skin grafting to close the wound once the swelling has subsided, and extensive rehabilitation to regain function. Vonn anticipates a lengthy recovery process, estimating it will take approximately one year for her leg to fully heal.
Vonn’s Road to Recovery
Vonn acknowledged the extensive rehabilitation ahead, including the likelihood of needing to use a wheelchair during the initial stages of recovery. She emphasized the skill and dedication of Dr. Hackett in saving her leg. “He filleted it open (and) let it breathe, and he saved me,” she stated.
Dr. Hackett was present at the Olympics due to Vonn’s participation, despite having recently torn the ACL in her left knee prior to the games. This highlights the importance of specialized medical support for athletes competing at the highest levels.
The incident underscores the inherent risks associated with high-speed sports like downhill skiing, where even a brief loss of control can result in severe injuries. Vonn’s openness about her experience serves as a powerful reminder of the dedication and resilience required of elite athletes, as well as the critical role of skilled medical professionals in their care.
While Vonn faces a challenging recovery, her story offers a testament to the advancements in orthopedic surgery and the dedication of medical teams in preserving the health and well-being of athletes.
