Optimistic Outlook for Lindsey Vonn

VAIL, CO (Feb. 10) – Olympic champion Lindsey Vonn (Vail, CO) underwent successful surgery Sunday and is resting comfortably. According to U.S. Women’s Alpine Ski Team Head Physician Dr. Bill Sterett, the surgery conducted at the Vail Valley Surgery Center went well and he was optimistic for a full recovery. 

HIGHLIGHTS

• Lindsey Vonn (Vail, CO) underwent surgery Sunday for injuries suffered in a crash Feb. 5 at the FIS Alpine Ski World Championships in Schladming, Austria.
• Vonn suffered a torn ACL/MCL (anterior cruciate ligament/medial collateral ligament) and lateral tibial plateau fracture.
• The surgery was conducted at the Vail Valley Surgery Center by U.S. Women’s Alpine Ski Team Head Physician Dr. Bill Sterett of Vail-Summit Orthopaedics.
• Sterett indicated that Vonn was resting comfortably. While too early to issue a specific prognosis on Vonn, Sterett was optimistic for a full recovery.
• Knee injuries such as this are not uncommon in ski racing. Picabo Street came back the next season after reconstructive surgery to win an Olympic gold medal in 1998 at Nagano, Japan.

QUOTES
Dr. Bill Sterett, U.S. Women’s Alpine Ski Team Head Physician
While it was too early to issue a specific prognosis on Vonn, Sterett said: “The overall success rate for ACL/MCL surgery is very good. Modern surgical techniques combined with aggressive rehabilitation will help Lindsey make a full recovery. She will do everything in her power to return as quickly as possible to competitive skiing.”