Knee Replacement in Phoenix, AZ
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- 8,000+ Procedures
- Robotic-Assisted Precision
- Board-Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon
- Same-Day Outpatient Options
- Scottsdale, Arizona
Phoenix Life Is Active Year-Round — Knee Pain Shouldn't Change That
Phoenix offers year-round outdoor living at a scale few cities in the world can match. The Arizona Canal trail system — over 100 miles of paved multi-use path — connects neighborhoods across the Valley and draws walkers, joggers, and cyclists out every day of the year. Camelback Mountain’s Echo Canyon and Cholla trails are among the most popular urban hikes in the United States. South Mountain Park, Papago Park, and the North Mountain trails extend the hiking opportunities across the city. The golf — TPC Scottsdale, Papago Golf Course, Raven Golf Club, and dozens of other courses — keeps residents on the fairways from September through June and beyond. Knee pain erodes access to all of it quietly at first. The canal walk gets shorter each week. The Camelback hike stops happening. Nine holes replaces 18. Stairs in Phoenix’s mix of single-story and multi-level homes become a daily obstacle. By the time most Phoenix patients reach a consultation, they have already given up more of the active Valley lifestyle they depend on than they realize. Dr. Brandon Gough performs MAKOplasty® robotic-assisted knee replacement in North Scottsdale, accessible from across the Phoenix metro. His approach uses a CT scan and 3D surgical plan to deliver precision treatment — smaller incision, less trauma, same-day discharge, and a recovery that gets Phoenix residents back on the trails, the canal, and the courses faster than traditional surgery.
Signs It May Be Time to Consider Knee Replacement
- Knee pain or stiffness that limits how far you can walk the Arizona Canal trail before needing to stop
- Pain on Camelback Mountain, South Mountain, or Papago Park trails that forces you to cut hikes short or avoid them entirely
- Knee pain or swelling on the golf course that limits how many holes you can play or forces you to ride instead of walk
- Knee stiffness climbing stairs or getting in and out of the car — a daily challenge across Phoenix's geography
- Injections or physical therapy that provided relief for a while but are no longer working
How Dr. Gough's Approach Compares to Traditional Knee Replacement
| Traditional | Dr. Gough | |
|---|---|---|
| Incision | 10–12 inches | 4–6 inches |
| Muscle handling | Cut or detached | Fully preserved |
| Walking | Days after surgery | Same day |
| Recovery | 6–12 weeks | Weeks, not months |
| Restrictions | Long post-op list | None |
| Hospital stay | 2–4 days | Same day / 24 hrs |
MAKOplasty® Robotic Precision — Why It Matters for Phoenix Patients
Dr. Gough uses the MAKOplasty® robotic system for both partial and total knee replacement. Before surgery, a CT scan of your knee is used to build a precise 3D digital model. Dr. Gough uses this model to plan the exact position of the implant, the amount of bone to be removed, and how the new joint will move with your specific anatomy. During surgery, the Mako robotic arm guides every movement with a level of accuracy that is not possible by hand alone. Only the damaged area is treated. Surrounding healthy tissue — ligaments, tendons, cartilage — is preserved wherever possible. For Phoenix patients who have damage confined to one compartment of the knee, partial knee replacement may be appropriate — treating only the affected area, preserving the rest, and delivering a more natural-feeling result with a faster recovery. For patients with advanced damage throughout the joint, total knee replacement replaces all three compartments. Dr. Gough also performs complex revision knee replacement for patients whose previous replacement is causing pain, instability, or reduced function.
What Recovery Looks Like for Phoenix Patients
Most partial knee replacement patients go home the same day as surgery and achieve full recovery in two to four weeks — returning to the canal trail and light recreational activities on a timeline that surprises them. Total knee replacement patients typically go home the same day or within 24 hours, begin physical therapy within days, and return to light activities like golf within three to four weeks. By weeks four to eight, most patients have returned to full activity — including the Arizona Canal trail, the Phoenix mountain parks, the golf courses, and Valley life at full pace. Revision knee replacement recovery is longer — typically one to two days post-procedure, followed by a structured physical therapy program over three months, with continued improvement through the first year or two.
Three weeks after surgery I was back walking the canal trail every morning. Six weeks in I played 18 holes at Papago Golf Course. I had no idea recovery from knee replacement could feel this manageable. Dr. Gough and his team made every step of it clear.
Meet Dr. Brandon Gough, M.D.
Dr. Brandon Gough is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon and a leader in minimally invasive and robotic-assisted hip and knee replacement.
Dr. Brandon Gough is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon based in Scottsdale, Arizona. He specializes in hip and knee reconstruction and has performed over 8,000 procedures since 2013.
He is one of a select group of surgeons in the country trained in the Direct Superior approach to hip replacement — a technique that eliminates post-surgery restrictions and dramatically reduces recovery time. He is also a past consultant and educator for Stryker Orthopaedics, training surgeons from around the world in minimally invasive joint replacement techniques.
Beyond the operating room, Dr. Gough volunteers with Magis Clinic, Madonna School, Habitat for Humanity, and Sienna St. Francis Clinic. He believes that exceptional surgical care and genuine compassion go hand in hand.
- American Board of Orthopaedic Surgeons (ABOS)
- American Medical Association (AMA)
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS)
- American College of Physicians (ACP)
Knee Replacement Questions from Phoenix Patients
Will I be able to hike Camelback Mountain again after knee replacement?
Yes — most patients return to moderate hiking including Camelback’s Cholla Trail within two to three months of total knee replacement. The Echo Canyon route’s steeper grades typically take a little longer. Dr. Gough’s muscle-sparing technique ensures the supporting muscles are intact and rebuilding from day one, and he will provide a specific hiking timeline at each follow-up appointment based on your recovery progress.
Can I return to walking the Arizona Canal trail after knee replacement?
Yes. Most total knee replacement patients return to walking the flat, paved Arizona Canal trail within three to four weeks of surgery. Partial knee replacement patients often return sooner — sometimes within two weeks. The canal trail’s even surface makes it an ideal early recovery activity and many of Dr. Gough’s Phoenix patients use it as their primary post-surgical rehab walk before progressing to more demanding terrain.
What's the difference between partial and total knee replacement?
Partial knee replacement resurfaces only the damaged compartment of the knee — leaving healthy bone, cartilage, and ligaments intact. It requires a smaller incision, causes less trauma, and delivers a faster recovery with a more natural feel for patients whose damage is limited to one area. Total knee replacement resurfaces all three compartments and is appropriate when damage is widespread throughout the joint. Dr. Gough will review your imaging at your consultation to determine which approach is right for you.
How long will my knee replacement last?
Modern knee implants are designed to last 25 to 30 years or more with normal activity. The robotic precision of MAKOplasty® ensures optimal implant alignment — one of the strongest predictors of long-term implant performance. For active Phoenix residents who plan to stay on the trails, the canal, and the golf courses for decades, this longevity is especially important.
Ready to Get Back to Everything Phoenix Has to Offer?
Call 602-359-3088 or complete the form to schedule your consultation. Dr. Gough’s team will verify your insurance before your visit, review your imaging, and give you a clear recommendation on which procedure is right for you — and what your recovery would realistically look like.
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Content on this website is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Each patient’s condition, treatment plan, and results are unique. Patient testimonials reflect individual experiences and are not a guarantee of similar outcomes.