Lindsey Vonn Faces Additional Surgeries After Crash
Vonn will have another surgery Saturday in Treviso after a downhill crash that broke her left tibia; she said she could return home if the operation goes well.
Overview
Lindsey Vonn will have another surgery Saturday at the Treviso hospital and said she could potentially leave and go back home if the procedure goes well.
Vonn suffered a complex left tibia fracture 13 seconds into her downhill run at the Milan Cortina Games and was airlifted off the course.
Vonn said in an Instagram video she is very much immobile, has received visits from friends and family, and thanked medical staff and Team USA teammates for support.
The 41-year-old has undergone three surgeries so far and said she will need at least two more, with Saturday's operation expected to be a fourth and another planned after she returns to the U.S.
If Saturday's surgery goes well, Vonn said she could leave Italy to return to the U.S. for another operation and continued recovery.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources present a sympathetic, human-interest framing by emphasizing Vonn's comeback arc and personal recovery. Editorial choices — words like "horrific crash" and "feel-good story," prioritizing Instagram updates and family support — foreground resilience. Direct quotes remain source content, while language and selection shape an empathetic narrative.
Sources (10)
FAQ
Lindsey Vonn sustained a complex left tibia fracture during her downhill run at the Milan Cortina Games.
Lindsey Vonn has undergone three surgeries so far and expects at least two more, with the fourth scheduled for Saturday in Treviso.
Orthopaedic specialists indicate that return to the ski slopes is possible in eight to 11 months for a displaced tibia fracture, if there are no complications.
Vonn's age (41), mental resilience, potential issues with her prior right knee prosthesis, and risk of complications like arthritis are crucial factors.
If Saturday's surgery in Treviso goes well, Vonn said she could leave Italy and return to the U.S. for further recovery and another operation.
History
6 sources