Lindsey Vonn’s Injury: What Recovery Can Look Like

Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn, one of the most famous athletes in her sport, is facing a tough challenge. She recently tore her ACL, and while competing, suffered a tibia fracture after an unfortunate crash. Injuries like these are serious, but with the right care, physical therapy, and determination, many athletes can make a strong comeback.

What’s an ACL?

The ACL is a strong band inside the knee. It helps keep the knee stable when you run, jump, or turn quickly. When it tears, the knee can become painful, swollen, and feel weak or unstable. If torn, many athletes need surgery to fix it.

Dr. Posada explains that while pain and swelling may happen at first, “in the long run the biggest problem is that the knee is unstable,” and that “most athletes are unable to compete without an ACL.”

What happens you fracture your tibia?

A broken leg is called a fracture. Some fractures heal with a cast or boot, but breaks that are more serious often need surgery. Doctors may use metal rods, plates, or screws to hold the bone in place while it heals.

Dr. Posada notes that tibia fractures may sometimes need surgery, but other times “just casting is appropriate,” depending on where the break happens.

What can recovery look like?

Recovery usually happens in stages. First comes rest and healing. Pain and swelling are controlled, and the leg is protected with a brace, cast, or crutches. Next comes physical therapy. Once it’s safe, patients work on movement, strength, and balance. Finally, there’s a slow return to activity.

Dr. Posada explains that recovery from ACL reconstruction is also done in stages, and that patients are usually able to run at about three months. He adds that fractures closer to the joint “tend to be more complicated and can lead to arthritis.”

How long does it take?

Dr. Posada notes that ACL recovery often takes eight to 12 months, and that recovery happens in stages. He adds that tibia fractures may take two to four months to heal, followed by a recovery process to strengthen the muscles before someone can safely return to full activity. Lindsey Vonn’s injuries are a reminder that healing takes time, even for elite athletes. With proper medical care, physical therapy, and patience, many people can recover and return to the activities they love.

Picture: Gerwig Loffelholz, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons