Two decades after first climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Dr Alla Medownick has proven to herself she can still complete the challenge – with a new knee.
Dr Medownick underwent newest technique robotic knee replacement surgery with Epworth orthopaedic surgeon Mr Andrew Tang in March 2022. In January this year, she successfully completed the 1,300+ step bridge climb for a second time.
"I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it again after all these years," she said.
It was an amazing experience. You can see the happiness on my face at the top of the climb.
In total, more than 6,500 of robotic orthopaedic procedures have been performed across Epworth hospitals.
Following her 90-minute knee replacement surgery, Dr Medownick spent a week in outpatient rehabilitation and undertook months of intensive physiotherapy. She was fully recovered in six months.
"My knees handled the bridge climb just as well as last time. You wouldn't know I have a prosthesis – sometimes even I forget," Dr Medownick said.
"I'm a very happy and grateful patient, looking forward to a normal life."
Traditional knee and hip replacement surgery continues to deliver excellent outcomes, with robotic-assisted surgery offering another method of joint preparation for implant positioning.
At Epworth, both robotic and traditional surgical techniques continue to deliver positive outcomes to patients.
