Competitive skiing — with an ACL injury

ACL knee injuries are among the most challenging setbacks an athlete can face. For competitors like U.S. Olympic skier Lindsay Vonn, an ACL tear could affect her ability to navigate a steep slope. 

Vonn recently ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament while racing in Switzerland. The ligament helps stabilize the knee. Despite the injury, she says she still plans to compete at the Winter Olympics this month. 

Dr. Mia Hagen, a sports medicine physician with UW Medicine, said knee braces can offer limited support. 

“There are braces that can be used that help support the knee when there is an ACL tear or somebody recovering from ACL surgery,” she said. “Those braces have some data showing that they can help someone feel more confident.” 

When advising athletes, Hagen said she strongly considers their personal goals and individual case. 

 “There are people who definitely can feel stable even without a functioning ACL,” she said. 

As an Olympian, Vonn has no doubt received appropriate medical counseling about the risks of racing, Hagen said.  She encourages anyone with an ACL injury to consult their doctor about appropriate paths to recovery. 

For news organizations:  Download broadcast-quality video resources.

Video produced by Nathan Hyun and Tim Griffis.