02/20/2026
Case of the Week:
We go to Cortina and Lindsay Vonn this week. The erector set that was placed on the patient's leg stabilized a complex fracture with many pieces of bone. In oral and maxillofacial surgery we use the same technique when fractures are complicated and cutting risks compromise of blood supply leading to dead bone or bone that is simply missing from a bullet or blast injury. Pins are placed through the skin above and below the fracture then the pins are stabilized with external metal framework to immobilize the fracture. The fracture can then be definitively treated with plates and screws at a later date. Dr. Hacket in Vail, CO helped me with a complex clavicle fracture I sustained from a skiing accident 2 years ago and has been by Lindsay's side since tearing her ACL 2 weeks ago. Today her leg was opend and definitively treated with long titanium plates and screws. Praying for no infections after multiple procedures. World class operators doing miracle surgery saving a warrior's leg on two continents.