One knee specialist has warned that comparable injuries have previously necessitated amputation

Lindsey Vonn has disclosed that her Winter Olympics injury is considerably worse than originally understood, revealing her “leg is still in pieces” following the devastating crash during the women’s downhill event.

The 41-year-old American skiing icon underwent four surgical procedures after sustaining a complex tibia fracture on February 8 at the Olimpia delle Tofane piste in Cortina.

Vonn wrote on Instagram: “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.”

One knee specialist has warned that comparable injuries have previously necessitated amputation.

Vonn documented her arduous return journey from Italy to the United States on social media, sharing footage that revealed the extensive medical support required to transport her.

The Olympic champion was discharged from hospital on Sunday after her fourth operation went smoothly on Saturday, enabling her departure the following day.

However, moving the injured athlete from her hospital bed to the airport, onto an aircraft, and directly to a medical facility in America proved exceptionally challenging given her condition.

Lindsey Vonn has disclosed that her Winter Olympics injury is considerably worse than originally understood

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She posted: “My leg is still in pieces…but I’m finally HOME!”

The US skier posted the comments alongside videos showing numerous medical personnel assisting with her evacuation from Italy.

Vonn revealed on Tuesday that she has not been able to stand on her own feet since the accident.

The Olympian spent more than a week confined to hospital beds in an immobile state.

Lindsey Vonn underwent four surgical procedures

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She wrote on X: “Haven’t stood on my feet in over a week… been in a hospital bed immobile since my race.

“And although I’m not yet able to stand, being back on home soil feels amazing.”

The skiing legend expressed her appreciation for those who cared for her during her Italian hospital stay.

She added: “Huge thank you to everyone in Italy for taking good care of me.”

Lindsey Vonn is a four-time Olympic medalist | GETTY

Despite the severity of her injuries and the sobering medical warnings about amputation risks associated with similar fractures, Vonn has expressed a determined outlook on her future in the sport.

The skiing legend, who was competing with a torn ACL when she lost control after cutting the opening traverse too tightly, insisted she harbours no regrets about her return to competition.

She added: “Please, don’t feel sad. The ride was worth the fall. When I close my eyes at night I don’t have regrets and the love I have for skiing remains.

“I am still looking forward to the moment when I can stand on the top of the mountain once more. And I will.”