By Jerry Moczerniuk
PT, DPT
According to the Arthritis Foundation, approximately 27 million people in the U.S. have osteoarthritis, with the knee being one of the most commonly affected sites. Knee arthroscopies are the most common orthopedic procedures in the United States.
A recent guideline published in the British Medical Journal recommends against arthroscopic procedures for most patients with knee osteoarthritis and meniscal tears.
The guideline, which was based on a 2016 systematic review, indicated that outcomes for knee arthroscopy were not any better than those for exercise in patients with medial meniscal tears.
The authors considered many factors including postoperative limitations and adverse effects due to surgery. They concluded that the risks of arthroscopy for patients with knee pain were not worth the likely short term gains for pain and function after arthroscopy. Furthermore, the authors “strongly recommend” conservative approaches over arthroscopy for “nearly all” patients with degenerative knee disease.
Previous published research in the British Journal of Sports Medicine revealed that participants with knee osteoarthritis (OA), who completed exercise programs, experienced a moderate improvement in pain and physical function, a result comparable to pain and anti-inflammatory drugs.
Supervised individual exercise programs were more effective than group or home exercise programs. Any type of exercise program, performed regularly, and closely monitored by healthcare professionals can improve pain, physical function and quality of life related to knee OA in the short term.
The research indicates that a short (4-6 week) bout of skilled PT, including supervised therapeutic exercises, every 6 months, may significantly reduce pain and improve the quality of life in patients with knee OA.
Remember, in New Jersey you can be evaluated and treated by a physical therapist without a referral from your doctor.
Dr. Moczerniuk is a Doctor of Physical Therapy, member of American Physical Therapy Association, and a Clinical Director at db Orthopedic Physical Therapy of Manalapan LLC, located at 120 Craig Road Suite 2. Dr. Moczerniuk can be reached at 732-462-2162 or via email at jerry@dborthopt.com. You can also find out more about our practice at dborthopt.com.
