Hips vs Knees ready to rumble

The annual Hips v Knees ‘Bionic Cup’, a hockey match that pits West Australians who have undergone knee replacements against their hip -replacement counterparts, is looking to go national, with both a men’s and women’s national competition planned in the future.

In its fifth year, the annual Hips v Knees ‘Bionic Cup’ Hockey match has grown from a knockabout game between players alike, to a spectacle with meaning, which is looking to spread the key messages behind it around the rest of the country through a potential national tournament.

The event, which is sponsored by the Australian Orthopaedic Association with the help of Hockey WA, aims to spread awareness about the benefits of replacement surgery, while debunking some of the stigmas about the limitation of movement following joint replacement procedures.

The match itself has grown in stature, with an extended list of players thrilled to be able to show their joy of being able to withstand the rigours of fulfilling a full game of hockey, strengthening the key message of the match.

Captain/Coach of the Knees team David Lockett extended his delight over his journey to getting back into the sport he loves, saying it’s given him an outlet from day-to-day life.

“The Hips v Knees annual hockey match is a great showcase for the benefits of joint replacement surgery; the quality of orthopaedic care we receive enables us to continue playing the sport we love,” Lockett said.

“The mental and physical value of regular exercise is well known and we are fortunate that we can continue to participate.”

President of the AOA, Dr Michael Gillespie, says the ‘Bionic Cup’ is a fantastic way to showcase the positive contributions that joint replacement surgery has on those affected.

“The Australian Orthopaedic Association is a proud sponsor of the annual ‘Bionic Cup’ Hockey challenge. The event provides an opportunity to celebrate the wonder of movement and is a chance for all of us to reflect on the success that hip and knee replacement operations provide Australians.

“Being able to enjoy better quality of life, let alone play such a physical sport like field hockey, just wouldn’t be possible for these players without significant advances in prosthesis technology and the improvement of surgical technique that has happened over the past 80 years.

“Looking to the future we would love to see the expansion of the competition into eastern states and welcome the introduction of a female event. The success of the hockey match to date and the diverse opportunities that can be created moving forward are a testament to the event organisers and WA Hockey,” Dr Gillespie said.

“We are proud to be associated with such a wonderful event.”

When: Wednesday, 16th December 2020

Where: Perth Hockey Stadium

Time: Proceedings begin 3:30pm

Match begins 4:00pm

The Bionic Cup – At a glance

Age of youngest competitor – 57 years

Age of oldest competitor – 78 years