@kj

Lindsey Vonn has 3rd surgery on her leg and post pic of external fixation (pins and bars) that appears to extend above and below her knee. Reports of “complex” tibia fracture. As a surgeon I can tell you this is only performed for high energy fractures with significant soft tissue injury in addition to the bone injury. You don’t typically want to span a joint unless necessary to control fracture alignment... When surgeons use a joint-spanning external fixator, it typically means: • The fracture is high energy • The bone injury is complex (often comminuted or extending toward the joint) • The surrounding soft tissue needs protection • Immediate internal fixation may not have been safe A device that spans the knee isn’t just stabilizing bone — it’s protecting the soft tissues and biology. External fixation in this setting often serves one of three purposes: 1.Damage control orthopedics – stabilizing first, definitive reconstruction later 2.Soft tissue recovery – allowing swelling and skin to calm down before internal fixation 3.Staged reconstruction – you can’t just leave the pins/bars… especially in high-energy proximal tibia injuries The fact that the frame is still present after a THIRD surgery suggest: • Significant soft tissue considerations • Possible articular involvement • A staged treatment strategy • Respect for biology over speed Elite athletes push limits. Bone can be rebuilt. Did you know bone heals without scar?? But the real story is her injuries likely was more than just the fracture by the time she reached the hospital… the soft tissue envelope was compromised. Wishing her continued recovery. 🙏🏾 instagram.com/p/DUoE3n1jXtD/… — Orthopedics, Decoded.

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