Associate Professor Lukas Ernstbrunner

A/Prof Lukas Ernstbrunner is a fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon specialising in shoulder, hip and knee conditions, with expertise in robotic-assisted and muscle-sparing joint replacement, arthroscopic surgery, limb reconstruction and orthopaedic trauma. 

 

Originally trained in Austria, Lukas completed his medical degree with distinction before undertaking both a doctoral degree and PhD in biomechanics through the University of Zurich, Switzerland, and the Mayo Clinic, Minnesota, USA. He subsequently completed advanced orthopaedic training at Balgrist University Hospital in Zurich under internationally renowned shoulder surgeon Professor Christian Gerber.

 

Following Swiss board certification, Lukas relocated to Australia where he completed advanced fellowships in upper and lower limb surgery, arthroplasty and orthopaedic trauma at leading institutions including the Royal Melbourne Hospital and Princess Alexandra Hospital. He is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) and a Fellow of the Australian Orthopaedic Association (FAOrthA). 

 

A/Prof Ernstbrunner has a particular interest in helping patients return to an active lifestyle through evidence-based treatment and innovative surgical techniques. His practice encompasses the management of conditions affecting the shoulder, hip and knee, including arthritis, sports injuries, traumatic injuries, complex reconstruction and joint replacement surgery. He is recognised for his expertise in robotic-assisted and muscle-sparing approaches that aim to optimise recovery and patient outcomes. 

 

Alongside his clinical practice, Lukas is an internationally recognised orthopaedic researcher and Associate Professor at the University of Melbourne. He has published more than 110 peer-reviewed scientific papers, attracted over 3,300 citations and regularly presents his work at national and international conferences. His ongoing research focuses on advancing orthopaedic care through innovation, biomechanics and improved surgical techniques. 

 

Lukas is committed to delivering patient-centred care, combining advanced surgical expertise with research-driven innovation to provide the highest standard of treatment. He works closely with patients, general practitioners, physiotherapists and multidisciplinary healthcare teams to ensure comprehensive, individualised care and optimal outcomes.

 

Areas of Interest

• Shoulder surgery
• Hip surgery
• Knee surgery
• Robotic-assisted joint replacement
• Muscle-sparing joint replacement
• Arthroscopic procedures
• Limb reconstruction
• Orthopaedic trauma surgery