Who saved Lindsey Vonn's leg from potential amputation?

Dr. Tom Hackett, an orthopedic surgeon, is credited with saving Lindsey Vonn's leg by performing a procedure to relieve the dangerous pressure.

What injuries did Lindsey Vonn sustain in her Olympic crash?

Lindsey Vonn suffered a complex tibia fracture and a broken ankle in her left leg following the Olympic downhill crash.

Home / Sports / Vonn Nearly Lost Leg After Olympic Crash

Vonn Nearly Lost Leg After Olympic Crash

Q: What medical condition threatened Lindsey Vonn's leg after her Olympic crash?

Lindsey Vonn developed compartment syndrome, a condition where excessive pressure from bleeding and swelling inside a muscle can cause severe damage.

23 Feb

•

Summary

Lindsey Vonn's leg was close to amputation after a recent Olympic crash.
Compartment syndrome developed due to excessive swelling and bleeding.
A timely intervention by Dr. Tom Hackett saved Vonn's leg.

Vonn Nearly Lost Leg After Olympic Crash

American skier Lindsey Vonn has disclosed that her leg was nearly amputated after a crash during the recent Olympic downhill event. The incident resulted in a complex tibia fracture to her left leg. Following the crash, she developed compartment syndrome, a critical condition where excessive pressure from bleeding and swelling compresses tissues.

Dr. Tom Hackett, an orthopedic surgeon who was present because Vonn had previously torn her ACL, successfully saved her leg. He performed a procedure to relieve the pressure, preventing permanent damage. Vonn expressed profound gratitude, stating that Hackett's presence was crucial for her recovery.