Lindsey Vonn has emotionally announced that she has been discharged from the hospital after a serious leg injury suffered at the Winter Olympics. Vonn was transported to the hospital by air ambulance during the downhill event at the Games in Italy, shortly after experiencing an ACL injury.
Following multiple surgeries, the skiing icon was initially released from the hospital in Italy to return to the United States for further medical care. In a poignant post on Instagram, Vonn disclosed the extent of her injuries, which included compartment syndrome and a fractured ankle, and how her surgeon prevented the amputation of her leg.
In a video shared on Instagram, Vonn described the complexity of her tibia fracture, fibula head fracture, and compartment syndrome, which led to significant damage to her leg tissues. She credited Dr. Tom Hackett for performing a fasciotomy that saved her leg from amputation by allowing proper circulation and healing.
Expressing gratitude for Dr. Hackett’s intervention, Vonn highlighted the critical role her initial ACL injury played in enabling the surgeon to save her leg. She detailed her prolonged hospital stay due to low hemoglobin levels from surgeries, necessitating a blood transfusion for pain management before her eventual discharge.
Currently wheelchair-bound due to a broken ankle, Vonn aims to progress to using crutches in the coming weeks, with a projected two-month duration for crutch reliance. She emphasized her commitment to rehabilitation and a step-by-step recovery process, acknowledging the long journey ahead.
Vonn’s message concluded with plans for continued recovery, potential future surgeries for metal removal and ACL repair, and a hopeful outlook on the healing process. She expressed gratitude for the supportive messages received and her relief at being out of the hospital, signifying a positive step forward in her healing journey.