When you watch the video above, please note that there’s a need for both surgical and conservative intervention. Some patients do require surgery, while others do not. The decision to operate can be simple, in the case of knees with minimal arthritis and tears in the “no blood” zone.

For others, the line for opting surgery can be blurred. These patients will likely benefit from time, conservative treatment, or surgery. There are short and long term benefits to consider, including cost (PT -$500 – $700 | Surgery + PT ($4,000 – $5,000) and possibly increased risk for arthritis later on.¹

The body has an amazing ability to heal itself — that is if you let it. Most runners struggle with the patience side of recovery. If you find yourself in the blurred line of surgery vs. PT, consider that for those who are candidates for Physical Therapy have:

1. The same outcome as surgery patients at six months²
2. Less risk for developing arthritis later on in life

Let Us Save a Running Career, Share This!

Video References:
1. Roos H, Laurén M, Adalberth T, Roos EM, Jonsson K, Lohmander LS. Knee osteoarthritis after meniscectomy: prevalence of radiographic changes after twenty-one years, compared with matched controls. Arthritis Rheum. 1998 Apr;41(4):687-93.
2. Katz J, Brophy R, Chaisson C, Chaves L. Surgery versus Physical Therapy for a Meniscal Tear and Osteoarthritis. N Engl J Med 2013; 369:683August 15, 2013.
3. Sihvonen R, Paavola M, Malmivaara A. Arthroscopic Partial Meniscectomy versus Sham Surgery for a Degenerative Meniscal Tear. N Engl J Med 2013; 369:2515-2524December 26, 2013.