For the past 20+ years, knee scopes (or clean up procedures) have been sold as an easy way to solve knee pain in the US. They are a way to clean out “arthritis” or “fix” meniscal issues. They are sold as being necessary. But are they really that effective? And at what cost?

To begin with, it is reported that over 750,000 of these knee scopes are done annually at a rough estimated cost of $5 Billion/year. $5 Billion – let that sink in for a moment. What could we better use a couple Billion dollars?

So, who are these procedures being done on? In many instances they are performed on individuals over the age of 50. Did you know though that 1 in 3 people over 50 have a small meniscal tear on imaging even when they did not report pain or issues? Hmmm…..

Are those “tears” really that important? Or are they just a byproduct of age?

Granted these knee scope procedures are also done on younger individuals as well as some with pain unresponsive to other treatments. However, there is evidence out there showing sham meniscal surgery (fake surgery) is equal to actual surgery after 1 year. Pretty much says these surgeries are too often a waste of resources. It means the belief in the act of surgery may be more helpful than the actual action. And it also suggests that a structure exercise or rehab program can be as effective as surgery.

Consider this, after a knee scope the individual will need some rehab to help get back motion, strength, and function. Why not then just start here and put in the work so avoid the surgery? Also keep in mind that if a doctor actually removes part of the meniscus that now there is less cushioning between the knee bones. What could be the long-term impact of this? The answer is not fully known but investigators believe it may increase the risk and need for future surgery down the line.

So…one surgery has now become two. This can’t be the best way to treat knee pain, can it?

If you or someone you know is considering a knee scope or clean up procedure, wouldn’t you like to have tried everything first before having surgery? And I am not just talking about pain medication or injections. I am speaking about rehab, physical therapy.

What is the worst that can happen?

You get strong and may not need surgery after all. And if it happens to not work, then you can still have the surgery the doctor was offering anyway.

Not ready to commit to therapy? Try some of the tips found HERE and see if they can start to ease that knee pain.