If you have been diagnosed with a meniscus tear, you may assume that surgery is the next step. However, research suggests that for many adults with degenerative meniscal tears, conservative treatment may be worth considering before surgery.
A 2024 meta-analysis published in Cureus compared arthroscopic meniscal surgery with conservative management for knee pain and function. The researchers reviewed nine randomized controlled trials involving approximately 1,200 patients.
The results provide some interesting information for people dealing with ongoing knee pain.
Exploring Knee Pain Treatment Elgin IL: Options Beyond Surgery
What Is a Degenerative Meniscus Tear?
The meniscus is a piece of cartilage in the knee that helps distribute forces across the joint and provides cushioning between the thigh bone and shin bone.
Not every meniscus tear happens because of a sudden sports injury. As we age, the meniscus can gradually undergo degenerative changes. A tear may then develop over time or during normal activities.
These degenerative meniscal tears are especially common in middle-aged and older adults and may occur along with other age-related changes in the knee.
What Did the Study Find?
The researchers examined randomized controlled trials comparing arthroscopic meniscal surgery with conservative management in adults age 40 and older.
When the results were combined, the researchers found no significant overall difference in pain relief between surgery and conservative management.
They also found no significant overall difference in knee function between the two approaches.
In other words, patients receiving conservative treatment experienced improvements that were generally comparable to those who underwent arthroscopic surgery.
What Is Conservative Management?
Conservative management means treating the knee without surgery.
The specific conservative treatments varied between the studies and included approaches such as physical therapy, exercise, rehabilitation, and medications.
A conservative treatment plan may focus on:
- Improving knee mobility
- Strengthening the muscles surrounding the knee
- Improving hip and lower-extremity strength
- Improving balance and stability
- Addressing movement limitations
- Gradually returning to normal activities
- Managing pain while maintaining appropriate activity
The goal is not simply to decrease pain. Restoring strength and function can help a person become more confident using the knee during everyday activities.
Where Can Chiropractic and Rehabilitation Fit In?
At Sikorsky Chiropractic in Elgin, Illinois, we evaluate more than just the painful area. Knee function can be influenced by mobility, strength, and movement throughout the lower extremity.
An examination may include evaluating the knee as well as the hips, ankles, muscle strength, flexibility, balance, and overall movement patterns.
Depending on the individual’s condition, a conservative care plan may include rehabilitation exercises, mobility work, manual therapy, and other approaches intended to improve movement and function.
It is important to point out that this particular study did not specifically compare chiropractic treatment with knee surgery. Instead, it compared arthroscopic surgery with broader conservative management. The research supports considering appropriate nonsurgical options for many degenerative meniscal tears.
Does This Mean Meniscus Surgery Is Unnecessary?
No.
There are situations where an orthopedic evaluation or surgery may be appropriate. The best treatment depends on the type of tear, how the injury occurred, symptoms, age, activity level, examination findings, and how someone responds to conservative treatment.
This study specifically examined degenerative meniscal tears in adults age 40 and older. Its findings should not automatically be applied to every type of meniscus injury, particularly acute traumatic injuries.
The researchers also noted differences among the studies in patient characteristics and conservative treatment protocols. This means there is no single conservative program that can be considered best for every patient