Lindsey Vonn has plates and screws removed after ninth operation

Legendary skier Lindsey Vonn underwent a ninth surgical procedure related to the severe crash she suffered during the Winter Olympics in Milan–Cortina earlier this year. The intervention, performed nine months after the original injury, involved removing all plates and screws from her leg to allow for implantation of a new anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).

Vonn posts update from recovery

Vonn said the operation went well and promised she would share further updates soon. After the procedure she posted a short video on Instagram showing the removed metal hardware and her right leg wrapped in bandages; in the clip she commented, "They removed all of this from my leg."

The surgery continues a lengthy rehabilitation process that began when Vonn tore her ACL in a World Cup downhill minutes before the Olympic tournament. Despite the injury and a difficult recovery period, she chose to start the Olympic downhill in Milan–Cortina, but crashed about 14 seconds into the run and was airlifted from the slope by helicopter.

The hardware removal is intended to prepare the knee for a fresh ACL implantation and reduce long-term complications from the previous reconstructive work. Vonn, who has repeatedly battled knee injuries over her career, has not announced a timetable for returning to competition; her public posts indicate she will keep followers informed as recovery progresses.

Her Instagram post, published on November 12, 2026, included footage of the metal pieces laid out and a brief caption confirming the outcome of the procedure. Fans and fellow athletes have sent messages of support since the clip appeared.

Photo: press material from the event