Each year tens of thousands of people are told they have a meniscus tear and undergo arthroscopic surgery. But is this the best option?

To begin with the meniscus is the cartilage between the two long bones of the leg (femur and tibia). Its purpose is to help the bones mesh together, provide cushioning, and balance to the knee. As a person ages, the meniscus tends to thin and at times it will develop tears (this is normal). A meniscus tear can develop with or without any significant incident (sporting most commonly).

The question becomes, is surgery necessary? And the answer will most definitely depend upon who you are speaking to. Most doctors (especially surgeons) will say yes, while rehab providers will say MAYBE. BUT…there should not be this high level of variability. Why? Because the answer should depend on the specific issues the person is experiencing and what they want to get back to.

Did you know more evidence is PROVING that rehab can be just as effective as surgery? Some are saying meniscus surgeries are NO better than placebo (but much more expensive). It is TRUE… the potential exists that doing rehab alone will put you at the same place as having surgery and then needing to do rehab anyway. If we are thinking dollars and cents, then it is a no brainer- No surgery.

But of course it cannot be that simple. In truth, every person and their situation/response is different. Again, there are mixed messages out there when looking and it can be difficult to decide what is the best option. That said here are a few ideas to consider when looking to decide whether to consider rehab v. surgery.

• What exactly are your symptoms? Are you experiencing popping, clicking, or catching associated with pain?
• Are you limited in your daily activities? Are you having trouble climbing steps, squatting, or exercising?
• What are you looking to do? What are you prevented from doing because of the “so-called” meniscus issue?
• Are you willing to put in the work before or after surgery?

Again, there is not a simple answer. However, answering these questions may help you in deciding what approach to take. Hopefully this can be done in conjunction with medical providers with an open mind.

Remember, some meniscus tears just happen with age. In fact a high percent of people over the age of 40 have tiny tears and they don’t even know it (and have been there for years). So just because you may have developed knee pain does not mean the meniscus is to blame. Though if you have an MRI- the orthopedic will surely blame the meniscus.

But before you consider surgery, lets consider the alternatives. How would your life be impacted if nothing changed (no surgery, no rehab, and just lived as you are at this moment)? What would happen if your knee felt worse after surgery (and don’t think that can’t happen because I have seen it)? Oh yeah, and if it goes bad you are staring down a knee replacement sooner. Are you prepared for the pain and swelling after a surgery and the rehab to come afterward? Don’t think you will be back to normal in 2 weeks as a pro athlete. You are not them and will not be getting the same care they get to help them recover more quickly. What would happen if you waited and tried 4-6 weeks of rehab?

Do I have you thinking yet? Still think surgery is the best or only option? If so, fine – go ahead and be prepared to second guess yourself if it does not go perfectly. But if you think and want the other option then time to get started. Get more of your questions answered HERE or call 717-440-6197 to get your questions answered NOW.