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A meniscus is a wedge–shaped piece of cartilage within your knee joints. There are two menisci (plural of meniscus) in each of your knees, and the job of each of these structures is to stabilize the knee joint and absorb shock. If you've ever experienced a traumatic meniscal tear, you know how painful and debilitating it can be. For active individuals who suffer a meniscal tear, a common question that arises afterwards is: what's the best treatment for this type of injury? Should I opt to have surgery or try a course of physical therapy first? A recently published study provides some insightful answers to these questions.

What The Science Says: Surgery vs. Physical Therapy

A team of researchers conducted a study comparing the outcomes and cost–effectiveness of surgery versus physical therapy for traumatic meniscal tears. The study involved 100 patients aged between 18 to 45 years who were randomly assigned to either undergo surgery or participate in a physical therapy program. Some patients in the physical therapy group had the option to undergo delayed surgery if necessary.

Findings: Quality of Life and Costs

The study followed these patients for 24 months to assess their quality of life and the overall costs of each treatment. Results showed that physical therapy was just as effective as surgery in terms of improving patients' quality of life. Although the differences between groups was minimal, patients in the physical therapy group reported slightly better outcomes than the surgery group.

From an economic perspective, the findings also supported physical therapy. The surgery group incurred significantly higher costs compared to the physical therapy group, without any additional health benefits. The cost analysis also indicated that surgery was not a cost–effective option for treating young patients with traumatic meniscal tears.

Risks and Considerations

Undergoing surgery comes with a certain set of risks, including infections, blood clots, and other possible surgical complications. Although these risks are relatively low, they should not be disregarded. Physical therapy, on the other hand, is a noninvasive treatment approach that promotes natural healing through movement and is associated with minimal–to–no risks.

What Does This Mean for You?

If you've experienced a traumatic meniscal tear, results from this study suggest that it may be best to try a course of physical therapy first before considering surgery. Physical therapy appears to offer similar benefits to surgery, while also saving on healthcare costs and avoiding the risks associated with surgical procedures.

Call Us for Any Questions About Therapy Before or After Surgery

Dealing with a meniscal tear is often challenging, but understanding your treatment options can help you make an informed decision. If you're unsure about the best course of action for your knee injury, we are more than happy to answer any questions you might have. Contact us today for more information and to learn how our physical therapy services can aid your recovery and improve your quality of life.

For more detailed insights into this study, you can read the full article here.