KNEE TREATMENT NEWS

RESEARCH-BASED INSIGHTS THAT MAXIMIZE PATIENT OUTCOMES

a possibility that a symptomatic meniscus tear could calm down without surgery. In patients age 40 and older and patients who have had knee surgery, MRI results will not be normal and are often read as a meniscus tear. Physical therapy (PT) is effective for asymptomatic meniscus tears and some types of symptomatic meniscus tears that don’t respond to surgery.

Nearly all patients with osteoarthritis who were told they need a total knee replacement have limited extension and flexion.

“That’s a reversible problem,” says Dr. Shelbourne. “Through physical therapy, about 80% of our patients improve to the point that they don’t want surgery.”