Dec 11, 2024
Meniscus tears have historically
been treated with arthroscopy. However, compelling data has shown
that this surgery does not work for degenerative meniscus tears.
Physical therapy, conversely, has been shown to be a more effective
measure for the degenerative meniscus tear, and is a more
reasonable first-line measure compared to arthroscopic menisectomy.
Still, the public's perception, guided by decades of advice from
Sports Medicine Specialists that arthroscopy is the answer for all
meniscus tears regardless of the chondral condition in the knee,
has not changed with current evidence. This can create
uncomfortable conversations with patients who have a degenerative
meniscus tear and expect arthroscopy. Coming to us from the
University of Buffalo, Drs. Nomi Weiss-Laxer and Leslie Bisson
discuss
their study examining patient perceptions and expectations of
nonoperative treatment for degenerative meniscus tears.