Knee Procedures
The knee is an integral part of our life and we rarely think about how much we use it on a day-to-day basis. Only when problems arise and moving and bending become increasingly difficult do we realize how many times a day our knees bend, move, and rotate to help us live our lives. Because of the amount they move and because they bear the majority of our weight when we stand and move, the knees are particularly vulnerable to the effects of osteoarthritis (damage to the cartilage), rheumatoid arthritis (tissue inflammation that wears away the cartilage and bone near the joint), and other degenerative conditions. These conditions can make everyday tasks like walking the dog or commuting to work slow, difficult, and extremely painful. In some cases, non-surgical techniques may provide temporary relief; in many cases, however, long-term solutions may require a surgical, high-tech approach.
The knee joint is the hinge that allows our legs to bend and move. It is composed of three main parts—the femur (thigh bone), the tibia (shin bone), and the patella (kneecap)—which are held together with a series of ligaments and tendons. The ligaments run both up and down and across the joint and provide stability and strength to the knees, limiting harmful sideways and rotating motions. The tendons attach the muscles and the bones together and allow the joint to bend and flex. When it is healthy, the joint bends easily and the cartilage between the two bones absorbs the shock and weight of the movement and allows the bones to move together painlessly. As arthritis, injury, or simply a lifetime of bending cause damage to the cartilage, it can no longer absorb the stress of movement as easily, leading to stiffness and discomfort. In the most extreme cases, the cartilage can begin to wear away, leaving the bones to rub directly against each other, causing swelling, intense pain and discomfort, and preventing you from leading the life you want to lead.
Dr. Gough offers a variety of advanced solutions to degenerative knee problems, including but not limited to:
CONTACT DR. GOUGH
Dr. Brandon Gough, M.D. is a talented, experienced orthopaedic surgeon who specializes in reconstructive procedures to treat knee injuries, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other degenerative conditions. Dr. Gough maintains a private orthopaedic practice as part of the prestigious Orthopaedic Institute of the West in Phoenix, Arizona, and has operating privileges at St. Luke’s Hospital and Thompson Peak Hospital in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area. He specializes in state-of-the-art micro-invasive and robotic surgical techniques. Staying abreast of the latest surgical tools and technologies allows Dr. Gough to minimize post-operative pain and discomfort, minimize the risk of complications, preserve soft tissue, and decrease post-surgical recovery periods. Dr. Gough uses advanced digital modeling techniques to develop customized surgical plans and prosthetics (when necessary) for each individual patient, ensuring a more precise and accurate surgery, minimizing the risk of surgeon error, and ensuring a more permanent, effective solution to each individual’s unique problem.
If you would like additional information about Dr. Gough’s orthopaedic practice or how he can help you live your life free of pain and discomfort in your knees, please contact our office today. We look forward to speaking with you, and to scheduling your initial consultation with Dr. Gough.