Overview
- Lindsey Vonn said her fifth operation lasted just over six hours and required multiple plates and screws, crediting Dr. Thomas Hackett with assistance from Dr. Randall Viola.
- She reported that pain has been difficult to manage and that she has not yet been discharged, though she hopes to leave the hospital soon.
- Friday’s procedure followed at least four surgeries in Italy after her Feb. 8 downhill crash, which occurred about 13 seconds into the run and led to an airlift off the course.
- Medical experts quoted in coverage describe her injury as a complex tibial trauma that typically needs staged surgeries and warn that recovery is lengthy and uncertain, with rare severe complications possible.
- Vonn entered the Games with a ruptured left ACL and a partial right-knee implant from 2024, and the crash has also renewed questions about equipment release and course safety after her skis did not release.