Lindsey Vonn almost had to have her leg amputated. Here's why.

[mahatmakanejeeves]

Lindsey Vonn almost had to have her leg amputated. Here’s why.

The skier’s crash at the Milan Cortina Olympics left her with a complex tibia fracture and a rare complication that required emergency surgery.

February 26, 2026 at 6:00 a.m. EST Today at 6:00 a.m. EST
6 min


Lindsey Vonn is airlifted after a Feb. 8 crash at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy. (Jacquelyn Martin/AP)

By Ashley Abramson

American Alpine skier Lindsey Vonn says she nearly lost her leg following her accident this month at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics. The 41-year-old shared on Instagram that after she suffered a complex tibia fracture during the women’s downhill event Feb. 8, she developed compartment syndrome and nearly faced leg amputation.

{paywall}

[fargone]

1. Didn't really tell us why, because paywall

[KT2000]

3. Compartment Syndrome

Compartment syndrome is a serious, painful condition caused by high pressure building up within muscle compartments, usually following severe trauma (fractures, crushes) or from tight casts/bandages, which cuts off blood flow. Symptoms include extreme pain (disproportionate to injury), tightness, swelling, numbness, and tingling. Acute cases require emergency surgery (fasciotomy) to prevent permanent tissue damage or amputation, while chronic cases may resolve with rest.
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons AAOS

6

[fargone]

6. That helps

[Auggie]

2. This OP needs editing: add the paragraph that tells us why

[KT2000]

4. Compartment Syndrome

Compartment syndrome is a serious, painful condition caused by high pressure building up within muscle compartments, usually following severe trauma (fractures, crushes) or from tight casts/bandages, which cuts off blood flow. Symptoms include extreme pain (disproportionate to injury), tightness, swelling, numbness, and tingling. Acute cases require emergency surgery (fasciotomy) to prevent permanent tissue damage or amputation, while chronic cases may resolve with rest.
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons AAOS

[Auggie]

5. Thank you