Considering that knee operation? Some research published on-line from the New England Journal of Medicine suggests that for many cases of meniscus injury, exercise and rehabilitation will or can get a good result.
In the most extensive study yet, comparing surgery and exercise, both were found to produce a good result especially when compared to 18 months after surgery. The surgery obviously got a more immediate result but exercise over time is comparable.
Considering that Knee Operation?
In another study from Lund University more than half of ACL reconstruction surgeries were deemed avoidable if a programme of exercise and rehabilitation was completed.
Even after 5 years follow up there was no difference between those who had surgery and those who elected exercise and physiotherapy. Interestingly the off quoted reason for surgery is to minimise the chance of developing osteo-arthritis but the evidence suggest no difference in the development 5 years later.. but people also reported no significant differences in function, activity, quality of life, pain, symptoms or general health!
Very interesting
.. Good news for you and us Physios!
Having said that I feel our orthopaedic surgeons are amongst the best in the world and many will not leap straight into surgery given its risks if they don’t deem it necessary but this new research does give pause for a deeper consideration of a conservative treatment option i.e. see us!!
In a related article from our friends at Newsmaxhealth is a report that states the likely reason for the escalating number of knee replacements in the United States for people under 65 is
wait for it.. Obesity!
If you’re starting to have knee pain maybe the first course of action is losing weight, you might be surprised how this improves a lot of things e.g.
- Sugar levels/diabetes
- Mental function
- Back pain
- Blood pressure
- Sexual health
- Depression
To name just a few!
Source – www.newsmaxhealth.com