Ita Buttrose has publicly said she uses a wheelchair because of a neurological mobility condition called frozen gait disorder , which developed after complications from back surgery in 2021 and now makes walking very difficult.

What happened?

  • After back surgery in 2021, Ita began having serious mobility issues and underwent further medical assessment.
  • Specialists eventually diagnosed her with frozen gait disorder (also described as “frozen gait” or “isolated gait disorder”), a condition that affects the way a person walks and can be associated with Parkinson’s disease.
  • Because she cannot walk long distances safely or comfortably, she now relies on a wheelchair, especially when out in public or travelling.

How Ita describes it herself

  • In a TV interview and in coverage of her recent memoir, she has said she “didn’t expect to be in a wheelchair” and that this was “not part of my plan,” but that she is learning to live with it and stay active.
  • She has spoken about the emotional impact: losing some independence, feeling embarrassed at first about using a wheelchair, and having to plan outings around accessibility.
  • Despite the challenges, she emphasizes continuing to work, write and “lead a full life,” adapting to her new reality rather than withdrawing.

Quick Scoop recap

  • Reason she’s in a wheelchair: complications after 2021 back surgery leading to a diagnosis of frozen gait disorder, a neurological walking disorder.
  • Current situation: relies on the chair for mobility but remains publicly active, writing books, giving interviews and speaking about ageing, disability and independence.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.