According to study, Physical therapy may be a better solution than undergoing surgery, especially an
unnecessary one. Arthroscopic surgery on the torn meniscus- the crescent-shaped cartilage that helps
cushion and stabilize knees- is quite common, but if we are to believe the study conducted in Finland,
thousands of people may be undergoing unnecessary surgery.
meniscal surgery should be aimed at a narrower group of patients and for many, physical therapy may
be a better option, according to Report. Although the Finnish study does say that surgery helps, but
it should be performed on younger patients and for tears from acute sports injuries. As nearly 80 per
cent of tears develop from wear and ageing, surgery in those cases should be significantly limited, it
contended.
The Finnish researchers performed the study on volunteer patients. Some received actual surgery
while others simulated procedures. They were not told what procedure they went through. It’s a well-
done study. It gives further credence or support to a number of studies that have shown that giving
arthroscopy to patients is not always going to make a difference; David Jevsevar of the American
Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons was quoted as saying.
He also said, the study would spur research to better identify patients who should have surgery. The
study involved five hospitals and 146 patients, ages 35 to 65, with wear-induced tears and knee pain.
About half had mechanical problems like locking or clicking knees. The findings of the study were
published in The New England Journal of Medicine.
Bureau Report
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