Austrian skiier Matthias Lanzinger could have to have his left leg amputated after developing serious vascular problems according to a statement released by the Austrian Ski Federation (OSV) on Monday.

The 27-year-old - who has placed just once on the podium in 37 races - was concussed and broke his leg in a fall in the World Cup super-G race in Kvitfjell, Norway, on Sunday and was taken to hospital in Oslo.

"He is suffering from an exceptionally serious vascular illness," announced Professor Thomas Holzenbein, an eminent angiologist from Salzburg, who was despatched to Oslo to examine the skiier.

"Releasing blood supply is critical. We are going to try and improve his status with a new operation but there is no way of predicting the outcome."

Lanzinger, who underwent a nine hour operation overnight Sunday, will undergo the second operation on Monday night.

He has been put into an artificial coma since the first operation because of the seriousness of his situation.