Lindsey Vonn's recklessness: the consequences of competing with a serious injury

In the 'game' of elite athletes, risk is one of the factors that must be assumed. The risk of failure, the risk of injury, the risk of losing. It is one of those issues that are present in their lives. And, obviously, in Lindsey Vonn's life as well. However, when the 41-year-old veteran athlete announced that she would be at the Winter Olympics, many were skeptical that she could make it. She was coming back from a reconstruction of her right leg with a titanium prosthesis and, nine days before her Olympic date, she had suffered a fall in which she had torn the anterior cruciate ligament in her right knee and also had bone edema and a meniscus tear in that same joint. Vonn was able to make it, to train and to compete in excellent shape. But the injuries to her leg would put an end to her Olympic dream when the skier suffered a spectacular fall that left the crowd speechless. Her screams from the track already anticipated the worst. After being rescued and admitted to hospital, according to initial reports, she underwent surgery because she has a 'broken leg'. A very broad diagnosis that does not specify what the specific problem is but opens the door to an extremely serious injury. But what are the consequences of competing with this injury and suffering such a fall?

A very risky decision

One of the most renowned traumatologists in Spain, Dr. Ripoll, told EFE that the decision was risky and not advisable. However, it is quite difficult to stop the will of an athlete of this level, especially when it may be his last Olympic Games.

The reality is that this decision was not the most accurate to preserve the health and well-being of the skier. The consequences are many and very dangerous. At a competitive level, having a torn anterior cruciate ligament generates a great instability in the joint. In sports such as skiing, turns or jumps are common, which could increase the risk in this sport, as could have happened to Lindsey.

Secondary injuries can also be generated more easily and are of particular severity. In addition, in the future, it is more likely (around 60-90% more) that they will suffer from premature osteoarthritis in a period of about 10 to 15 years. In the case of the American skier, if this were the case, it would occur around the age of 50.

But what about the long term?

At the moment, the athlete's specific diagnosis is private and it has not been clarified what specific injury she is suffering from today. The only thing that is known is that she has a broken left leg. So, depending on what exactly happened to her and the type of fracture, it could have different consequences. In addition, age is also a key factor in her future recovery. What the athlete is sure to have is exceptional rehabilitation quality.

In any case, it is important to remember that a fracture in the leg, whether muscular, tendinous or bony, can have devastating long-term consequences. In addition to post-traumatic arthritis and loss of movement (already serious damage for an athlete), there could be chronic pain. Many people often experience it once it has healed, mainly when there are weather changes or certain movements are made.

The muscles and soft tissues near the fracture may suffer some atrophy and weakness, as well as vicious consolidation that can lead to deformity, limping or the need for additional surgery.

All these damages can lead to limitations in mobility, reduced quality of life and, especially in athletes, a strong psychological impact.