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Legend Of Downhill Reports Compartment Syndrome After Traumatic Accident In Milan-Cortina 2026 And Explains How Emergency Fasciotomy Prevented Amputation
The story of Lindsey Vonn at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina almost ended dramatically. At the age of 41, the downhill legend revealed that she was very close to losing her left leg after a violent accident that occurred on February 8, during the Olympic downhill event in Cortina, Italy.
The information was disclosed by Gooutside magazine and reported in an official post by the athlete on social media. In a video shared on Instagram on Monday, February 23, Lindsey Vonn detailed the severe medical complications she faced after the fall and highlighted the decisive role of a surgeon from Colorado (USA).
According to Vonn, the quick intervention of Tomas Hackett, a doctor based in Vail, was crucial in preventing the amputation of her limb.
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The Accident At The 2026 Winter Olympics And The Three Surgeries
The fall occurred shortly after the start of the race. Lindsey Vonn touched a gate, lost control, spun in the air, and crashed into the snow at high speed. The impact was devastating.
As a result, she suffered a complex fracture of the tibia and a fracture of the femoral head in her left leg. In addition, she tore her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) during a World Cup stage in Crans-Montana, Switzerland. During the fall at the Olympics, she also broke her right ankle.
In the weeks following the traumatic accident, Vonn underwent three surgeries. However, the greatest risk was not only from the fractures. The trauma triggered an extremely serious medical condition called compartment syndrome.
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, compartment syndrome occurs when there is increased pressure within the muscle compartments, restricting blood flow and potentially causing permanent damage to muscles, tendons, and fascia. In acute cases, it is a medical emergency associated with severe injuries.
“I had compartment syndrome — it’s when there is so much trauma in one area of the body that blood accumulates, gets trapped, and compresses everything within the compartment,” explained Vonn. “The muscles, nerves, and tendons die.”
The Six-Hour Surgery That Prevented Amputation
Given the critical condition, surgeon Tomas Hackett performed a procedure called fasciotomy. According to the athlete herself, the surgery took place on Wednesday, February 18, and lasted six hours.
“Dr. Tom Hackett saved my leg from being amputated,” Vonn stated. “He did what is called a fasciotomy. He opened my leg from both sides basically opened everything to relieve the pressure, let it ‘breathe,’ and saved me.”
The fasciotomy involves opening the muscle compartments to reduce internal pressure and restore blood circulation. Without this immediate intervention, the risk of amputation would have been extremely high.
Moreover, recovery became even more complex due to significant blood loss during the different surgeries. Lindsey Vonn needed a blood transfusion.
“I needed a blood transfusion, and it helped me a lot,” she declared. “I was very weak, and the pain was out of control.”
Return To Glory And Decision To Compete Even If Injured
The episode occurred just when Vonn was at the peak of her return to the international circuit. After retiring in 2019, she returned to compete at the end of 2024. In 2025, she showed impressive performance in the Downhill World Cup, achieving two stage victories and five podiums.
Therefore, Lindsey Vonn seemed like one of the favorites for a medal in Cortina. However, even injured, she decided to start in the Olympic downhill event.
In the account published on Instagram, she admitted that the experience was the “most extreme, painful, and challenging” injury she had ever faced in her life.
“I can’t describe how painful it was,” she said. “It was very difficult and definitely not the way I wanted to end my Olympic Games.”
Despite this, the athlete stated that she had no regrets. On the contrary, she reinforced her competitive mindset.
“I prefer to fall fighting than not to try,” she declared. “This year has been amazing and definitely worth it.”
Thus, even in the face of severe fractures, three surgeries, compartment syndrome, blood transfusion, and the real risk of amputation, Lindsey Vonn reaffirmed the spirit that turned her into a legend of world skiing.
Would you have the courage to compete in an Olympics knowing that a fall could put your own leg at risk?
Source: Gooutside
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