Lindsey Vonn may face a lengthy recovery period following a serious crash at the Winter Olympics, as per a specialist surgeon in France. The surgeon indicated that the repercussions of the injury could be long-lasting.
The renowned American skier was swiftly airlifted to a hospital in Treviso after a high-speed mishap at the women’s downhill event, occurring only 13 seconds into the race. Vonn lost her balance upon colliding with a gate and subsequently tumbled onto the slope in Cortina.
Following initial treatment, she was transferred to the hospital for further medical attention. Subsequent assessments revealed a “complex tibia fracture,” leading to her undergoing three surgeries.
Despite progress in her recovery, Vonn is set to encounter additional hurdles during her rehabilitation, including the potential risk of amputation. This cautionary statement was made by orthopedic knee specialist Dr. Bertrand Sonnery-Cottet, based in Lyon, France.
Dr. Sonnery-Cottet mentioned to RMC Sport that the timeline for Vonn’s recovery is uncertain, with a projected several months before she can regain normal walking abilities. He emphasized her current objective of preserving her leg functionality.
The expert also highlighted that Vonn could experience lasting challenges, even without the need for limb amputation. Recent images shared on her Instagram account revealed that although the surgeries were successful, the presence of an ‘external fixator,’ a large pin inserted in her left leg, indicates that the fracture has not been fully resolved.
Emphasizing the severity of the injury, Dr. Sonnery-Cottet implied that Vonn may encounter difficulties for an extended period, potentially resulting in lifelong implications.
Vonn clarified that her leg fracture was unrelated to a previous torn ACL injury suffered just days before the competition. In a social media update, she expressed her disappointment with the outcome but acknowledged the risks inherent in ski racing and life in general.
She encouraged others to embrace challenges and take chances, highlighting the importance of daring greatly. Vonn concluded with a message of resilience and belief in oneself.
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