Lindsey Vonn Shows Off Gnarly Surgery Photo After Having Metal Plates and Screws Removed
Lindsey Vonn shared an up-close look at her leg after undergoing a nine‑hour surgery to remove plates and screws and to reconstruct her ACL, marking a key step in her recovery from a year of crashes and injuries. The post follows earlier setbacks, including an Olympic crash that caused a tibial plateau fracture and a prior ACL tear, and she notes she’s hopeful but uncertain about a future return to competitive skiing. She expressed gratitude to her medical team and supporters as she enters the final phase of rehabilitation. A future return remains possible but uncertain, with emphasis on completing recovery and reassessing her goals.
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Vonn reported that the November 11 surgery involved removing all plates and screws from her left leg and replacing her ACL, lasting over five hours, and she then returned home to begin the final recovery phase.
She posted that the operation went well and thanked doctors, the U.S. Ski Team, and loved ones for their support, sharing a large scar from the surgery and a bag of removed hardware in follow-up photos.
The narrative builds on prior incidents this year, including a February Olympic crash that led to a compound fracture and tibial plateau fracture, coming shortly after an ACL tear at the World Cup final in Crans-Montana, Switzerland.
Before the operation, Vonn acknowledged nerves about the procedure and said she hoped it would move her toward a complete recovery, while remaining open to skiing recreationally or returning to the sport only if physically and mentally feasible.
Public reactions included supportive messages from notable friends, with commentators highlighting her resilience and determination throughout a challenging rehabilitation path.
Vonn indicated this would be her ninth surgery, underscoring the lengthy and ongoing nature of her rehabilitation as she evaluates next steps after healing.
The forward-looking tone centers on completing the recovery and reassessing whether she will compete again or pursue non-competitive riding, with gratitude for medical staff and family throughout the process.