Common Knee Surgery Offers No Benefit, Harms Patients

Thousands of Americans undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery to trim degenerative cartilage tears may find their condition worsening. A 10-year study comparing actual surgery to a sham procedure found no benefit, and instead, an association with accelerated osteoarthritis and higher reoperation rates. Researchers highlight that this surgery is not for acute injuries but for middle-aged or older individuals with knee pain and visible tears on MRIs.

Evidence has been mounting for over a decade that this type of surgery offers no more help than physical therapy. Consequently, arthroscopic knee surgery rates have dropped significantly in Finland, by 90%, and are slowly decreasing in the U.S. as well. Prior studies indicated that meniscus tears are common in individuals over 50 due to wear and tear and are often asymptomatic.

While some experts acknowledge that many patients do benefit from the surgery, current practices vary widely. A consensus statement from orthopedic societies recommended physical therapy trials before surgery but still endorsed the operation. Financial incentives may also influence treatment decisions, with Medicare allotting thousands for the procedure, and commercial insurers often paying more.