FACT OR FICTION: Meniscus Tears and knee surgery

All meniscal tears need surgery 🤔🔪🔪🔪🔪 ???

ANSWER: FICTION

What the Research Shows

In a recent meta-analysis (multiple studies combined), Kise and colleagues concluded that a small but inconsequential benefit is seen from treatment interventions that involve arthroscopy.

However, this small effect is of short duration and absent one year post surgery. Only 1 in 5 randomised controlled trials found greater pain relief 12 months after partial meniscectomy compared with non-surgical treatment! Further, the supervised exercise therapy showed positive effects over surgery group in improving thigh muscle strength, at least in the short term🙌

What This Means for You

If you do NOT have mechanical symptoms (locking specifically), these results should encourage individuals with degenerative meniscal tears and no definitive radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis to consider supervised exercise therapy as a treatment option. Translation: Get strong and get moving under the care of a skilled physio like us at Praxis 💪🏃!

If your knee pain is holding you back, put a spring back into your step with Praxis Physio. We can accurately diagnose your issues, highlight where we can help, and get back on the path to improved function. To make a booking, call (07) 3102 3337 or book online 

#praxisphysio #kneepain #meniscus #mensicaltear #preventprepareperform #praxiswhatyoupreach #praxisblog #degenerativemeniscus #evidencebasedpractice

Reference

Kise N, et al. Exercise therapy versus arthroscopic partial meniscectomy for degenerative meniscal tear in middle aged patients: randomised controlled trial with two year follow-up. Br J Sports Med. 2016.

Until next time, Praxis What You Preach

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