Bill Johnson to Undergo Back Surgery Monday--2nd Operation in Month

Olympic downhill champion Bill Johnson, who is recuperating from a knee operation performed last month at South Lake Tahoe, Calif., will undergo surgery to remove two degenerated disks Monday at St. Anthony’s Central Hospital in Denver.

Dr. Courtney Brown, the orthopedic surgeon who will perform the operation, said Friday night: “Bill has four disks that are degenerated, and two of them are extruding into the spinal canal. Those two will be removed. It’s similar to the procedure that Joe Montana (quarterback of the San Francisco 49ers) underwent last fall.”

Johnson, 26, began experiencing back pains during the season following his gold-medal victory in the 1984 Winter Games at Sarajevo, Yugoslavia, but continued skiing, with disappointing results.

Said Dr. Brown: “The fellow has been in pain for the last 18 months.”

On Dec. 12, Johnson fell during downhill training at Val Gardena, Italy, and suffered ligament and bone damage in his left knee. The subsequent operation by Dr. Richard Steadman was successful, and Johnson vowed to resume racing next season.

Wally Johnson, Bill’s father who lives in Van Nuys, said Friday that his son’s plans remain unchanged, adding: “Bill fully intends to be at Calgary in 1988 to race in the Olympic downhill--and win again.”

Asked about Johnson’s chances of coming back to the World Cup circuit next season, Dr. Brown said: “Well, you have to be aware that he has suffered two serious injuries, either of which could end his career. But Bill is a very determined guy, and I’d say, yes, it’s within the realm of possibility that he will race again.”

Wally Johnson said: “Bill first injured his back at Bend, Ore., in the spring of 1985, and he put off going to the doctor because he was afraid of what they might find. But finally, the pain has just become too much.

“It’s quite likely that his accident in Italy last month occurred because of the pain in his back causing him to sit back just a little. He said it was the first time he had ever fallen backward.”