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Pregnant Skier's Extreme Injury in Japan Leads to Medical Battle
24 Feb
Summary
- A pregnant woman suffered a severe knee injury while skiing in Japan.
- Finding doctors willing to operate during pregnancy proved difficult.
- Specialized surgery was performed safely in the second trimester.
A planned ski vacation in Japan turned into a medical ordeal for Kate Johnson, who was in her first trimester of pregnancy. While skiing, she suffered a severe knee injury involving a ruptured ACL and torn meniscus, exacerbated by an avalanche rescue. Upon returning to the United States, Johnson encountered significant difficulty finding surgeons to operate, as many were hesitant due to her pregnancy.
Dr. Abigail Campbell, from NYU Langone's Center for Women's Sports Medicine, ultimately performed the corrective surgery when Johnson was approximately 16 weeks pregnant. The procedure, which required special precautions and a single X-ray with lead aprons for radiation protection, utilized spinal anesthesia. Johnson's baby was monitored throughout the operation.
Johnson's recovery was reportedly successful, and she gave birth to a healthy son in October. Dr. Campbell highlighted that while purely elective cosmetic surgeries are not advised during pregnancy, procedures to prevent long-term joint damage are often deemed beneficial, with risks outweighing potential complications, especially when performed in the second trimester.
