Lindsey Vonn injury: U.S. Olympian shares gruesome X-ray photos post-surgery

Vonn’s post to X/Twitter had a much lighter tone than an earlier Instagram post showing the same image. In the IG post, Vonn admitted she’s “been struggling a bit post-op” and hasn’t been discharged from the hospital yet since going in for surgery Wednesday after returning to the United States earlier in the week.

“Made it through surgery … it took a bit more than six hours to complete. As you can see, it required a lot of plates and screws to put back together, but Dr. Hackett did an incredible job,” Vonn’s Instagram post read. “With the extent of the trauma, I’ve been struggling a bit post-op and have not yet been able to be discharged from the hospital just yet. … Almost there. Baby steps. Will explain the injury and what it all means soon. (heart and prayer emojis)”

Vonn, who was attempting an Olympic comeback in the 2026 Winter Games, previously went through multiple surgeries during her 10-day stay in the Ca’ Foncello Hospital in Trevino, Italy.

During her flight back to the United States on Tuesday, Vonn shared a video of her journey, appearing to stay in a hospital bed throughout the return trip.

“My leg is still in pieces…but I’m finally HOME!” Vonn wrote on Instagram. “Thankful to all of the medical staff who helped me get home and seriously looking forward to my next surgery when I can get the X-fix out of my leg and will be able to move more.

“My injury was a lot more severe than just a broken leg. I’m still wrapping my head around it, what it means and the road ahead… but I’m going to give you more detail in the coming days. As always, I appreciate all the love and support.”