Julie Alexander

After years of repeated sprains due to sports and carrying heavy backpacks, I developed end-stage arthritis in my ankle, which left me unable to walk properly and restricted my beloved activities. As research scientist heavily vested in field work, this development also threatened my livelihood. My local surgical options were limited to fusion or replacement, neither of which were ideal at my age. Enter Dr. Robert Rozbruch and HSS: an incredibly skilled surgeon with the support and ability to publish widely enough to raise awareness about an alternative option to fusion/replacement, ankle distraction. I feel so lucky to have been able to access HSS and the amazing Dr. Rozbruch team; it was a heck of an undertaking for me going back and forth between Oregon and NYC, but the level of care I received (and continue to receive) was unparalleled. Thank you to everyone at HSS who has helped provide such exceptional care. To the Rozbruch team: those barely visible surgical scars are forever woven into the tapestry of my life as part of the journey to stay active and happy. Thank you for doing what you do.