Local Man Climbs Mt. Kilimanjaro After Knee Replacement With Dr. Matthew Russo

At 67, Uday P. fulfilled a long-standing dream: conquering the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. But, reaching the peak was more than a celebration—it was the ultimate proof of his restored joint health after his knee replacement surgery with fellowship-trained joint reconstruction surgeon Dr. Matthew Russo.

Over thirty years ago, Uday’s knee troubles began with a meniscus tear from a fall playing field hockey during his college days. Later, in 1992, he tore his ACL in an accident involving a ladder. Over time, these injuries left his knee nearly bone-on-bone, leading to intense pain and limitations on his passion for hiking and mountaineering.

“I pushed it as far as I could,” said Uday.

By 2019, Uday consulted Dr. Russo, who delivered a clear, and somewhat daunting, diagnosis: he needed a full knee replacement to restore normal function.

“I said [to Dr. Russo], ‘I have this goal of climbing Kilimanjaro. For 20 years, I have been pursuing that goal,’ and ‘Would I be able to do that if I go through this?’” Uday recalled. Although the surgery wasn’t guaranteed to restore his knee to the level needed for high-altitude trekking, Dr. Russo assured him it would give him the chance to resume everyday activities with less pain.

After several rounds of knee injections that provided temporary relief, Uday decided in April 2022 to undergo surgery. Dr. Russo’s work paid off quickly—within just two weeks, Uday was walking again normally, and by ten weeks, he was back on the trails, building strength.

Throughout his recovery, Uday trained for his goal, often hiking in the mountains near Flagstaff, Arizona. He tackled Humphreys Peak multiple times as well as other trails with 2,000-foot elevation gains to prepare, and he stayed diligent with strength and core training at the gym to ensure his leg muscles were ready.

But the journey wasn’t without its challenges. Uday had developed sciatica, a painful condition that became more difficult than the knee recovery itself. “It was really tough, but I managed it with some pain relief, and over time, either I’ve gotten used to it, or the pain has subsided,” he says.

On September 10, 2024, Uday celebrated his 67th birthday by summiting Kilimanjaro.

“I cannot thank you enough for having restored my knee back to a state where I could accomplish this not-so-insignificant a feat,” he wrote to Dr. Russo, crediting the doctor’s expertise with helping him reclaim his dream and keep living an active life.

Uday’s story is an inspiring reminder of resilience, discipline, and the rewards of expert care—each step bringing him closer to the summit he had envisioned for so long.

OrthoArizona is proud to care for patients like Uday and help them achieve their goals—both ordinary and extraordinary—after getting the relief they need. If you have joint pain getting between you and your dreams, consult with one of our total joint specialists today. Call (602) 648-5444 for an appointment or schedule online now and get started on your journey to better living.