The claimWhat Lindsey actually said
After her December 2024 comeback race in St. Moritz, Vonn told the Associated Press she was skiing without thinking about her knee for the first time since 2013, following a partial replacement of her right knee that April. Her coach said there was little research on elite athletes with partial knee replacements. Her later 2026 Olympic crash, which broke her left leg, is a separate injury.
- cnn.com: Lindsey Vonn in their own words
- Cerasoli T et al., J Exp Orthop, 2026, meta-analysis of 13 studies: about 88% return to sport after UKA, higher than after TKA
- Nicholas PRM et al., Orthop Traumatol Surg Res, 2026, systematic review: limited evidence and declining participation in downhill skiing after UKA
Why it mattersWhy this matters for longevity
Knee osteoarthritis is one of the main reasons older adults stop being active.
A famous comeback can set unrealistic expectations about what joint replacement allows.
The evidenceWhat the science says
A 2026 systematic review and meta-analysis of 13 studies (1,675 patients) found about 88% of people returned to sport after unicompartmental knee replacement, including some intermediate and high-impact activities, with higher rates than after total knee replacement. Higher BMI predicted lower return, and robotic and standard techniques performed similarly.
A separate 2026 systematic review of downhill skiing after partial knee replacement found only five low-level studies, return rates between 0% and 37.5%, and a trend toward less skiing afterward. Vonn was also exceptionally fit before surgery, which her coach noted, so her result does not transfer directly to typical patients.
TakeawayThe honest takeaway
The practical lesson
If arthritis is limited to one part of the knee, ask whether a partial replacement fits, and plan for a supervised return to activity rather than an elite comeback.
Planning for a parent, or for yourself?
Good habits matter, and so does knowing what help exists. AIOSeniors asks a few questions and gives you a free, personalized list of what applies: government programs, nonprofits and community resources included, whether or not anyone earns anything from them. Where the answer is not known, it says so.
RelatedRelated habits
Each of these is a habit you can build on its own. Explore them through the Topics index.
SupplementsThe supplement angle: Protein and vitamin D
Support a habit, do not replace one
Adequate protein and vitamin D support general muscle and bone health during rehabilitation. No supplement has been shown to replace surgery or rehab for knee arthritis.
Supplements can support good habits. They do not replace sleep, movement, nutrition, or medical care. Talk with your healthcare provider before starting anything new.
This is educational commentary, not medical advice, and does not imply that Lindsey Vonn endorses, is affiliated with, or uses Winning Longevity or any product. We critique the claim and the evidence, not the person. Any direct quote is a placeholder until sourced. Talk with a qualified healthcare provider before changing your routine. See our health disclaimer.
