US skiing star Lindsey Vonn has clarified the severity of her knee injury ahead of the Winter Olympics in Italy
American Winter Olympics sensation Lindsey Vonn has hit back at a medical doctor’s assessment of her knee injury. Vonn was taken to hospital by air ambulance on January 30 after sustaining a ruptured ACL during a crash at a World Cup event in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, mere days before the Olympics begin in Italy.
Undeterred by the setback, the skiing legend has remained resolute in her determination to compete this month, confirming earlier this week her intention to represent the United States at the Winter Olympics.
The 41-year-old ramped up her preparations for the games by participating in Friday’s practice session ahead of this weekend’s downhill competition.
Her participation in practice prompted Brian Sutterer, MD, an American sports medicine physician, to weigh in on Vonn’s injury.
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Sutterer has outlined why he has questions regarding the ruptured ACL injury Vonn sustained before the Winter Olympics, reports the Express.
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“There’s a very important aspect of this that we do not know,” wrote Sutterer on X, formerly known as Twitter. “What was the state of her ACL before the crash last week?
“What she is doing now would not be nearly as surprising in an elite athlete whose knee was already functioning like the ACL was torn at baseline.
“When you hear stories about ‘so-and-so played for years on a torn ACL’, that’s chronic, meaning the body has time to adapt and retrain muscles to support the knee.
“Also, someone who had a prior tear/surgery may not be as swollen and painful with a repeat injury.
“Bottom line, I don’t think this was a bread and butter, fresh ACL tear like everyone is thinking.”
In less than two hours, Vonn hit back at the claim, asserting that her ACL is ‘100% gone’.
“Lol thanks doc. My ACL was fully functioning until last Friday,” Vonn wrote.
“Just because it seems impossible to you doesn’t mean it’s not possible. And yes, my ACL is 100% ruptured. Not 80% or 50%. It’s 100% gone.”
Sutterer then wrapped up the conversation by wishing Vonn well, while explaining why he questioned the severity of the skiing star’s injury.
“Any prior ACL injuries in that knee? If so, the knee can absolutely learn to compensate in a very functional way,” Sutterer wrote.
“I’m not trying to minimise your accomplishment, it’s insanely impressive.
“As a sports medicine doctor who takes care of high level athletes and everyday folks, there is some nuance in how quickly people can function after an ACL tear and that’s what I’m curious about as we communicate stories like this to the public.
“Best of luck, I truly am rooting for you.”
