How did Lindsey Vonn's leg get saved after her Olympic crash?

Lindsey Vonn's leg was saved from amputation by Dr. Tom Hackett, who performed a fasciotomy to treat a complex tibia fracture and compartment syndrome.

What injuries did Lindsey Vonn sustain at the 2026 Winter Olympics?

Lindsey Vonn suffered a complex tibia fracture, compartment syndrome, a broken right ankle, and a torn ACL in her left leg.

What is the recovery outlook for Lindsey Vonn after her Olympic injury?

Lindsey Vonn is currently in a wheelchair and estimates it will take about a year for her leg bones to heal, followed by ACL repair.

Home / Sports / Lindsey Vonn's leg saved from amputation after Olympic crash

Lindsey Vonn's leg saved from amputation after Olympic crash

23 Feb

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Summary

Skier Lindsey Vonn nearly lost her leg after a complex tibia fracture.
A doctor performed a fasciotomy to save her leg from amputation.
Vonn sustained multiple injuries including a broken ankle and torn ACL.

Lindsey Vonn's leg saved from amputation after Olympic crash

Olympic gold medalist Lindsey Vonn has returned home two weeks after a devastating crash during the women's downhill event at the 2026 Winter Olympics. The skier shared a personal update, describing the incident as the most extreme and painful injury of her career.

Vonn suffered a complex tibia fracture and compartment syndrome, a condition that restricts blood flow and can damage nerves. She credited Dr. Tom Hackett, an orthopedic surgeon for Team USA, with saving her leg through a procedure known as a fasciotomy.