Researchers who reviewed nine studies found arthroscopic knee surgery may harm middle-aged and older adults, according to the Washington Post.
Here are four notes:
1. The studies showed surgery was a temporary solution for easing knee pain. Surgery was found to be equal to other treatments in improving physical functions. Patients experienced some pain relief in the first three to six months after surgery, but did not find any pain relief later. There were no differences in physical function after surgical or nonsurgical procedures.
2. The average age of patients in the studies ranged from 50 to 63 years old. Follow-up in the studies ranged from three to 24 months.
3. More than 4 million people get arthroscopic knee surgery each year, and physicians and patients must consider if this is the best treatment due to the risk of serious complications. Complications from the procedure include damage to the knee or blood clots in the leg.
4. The studies are limited. The involved participants were not randomly assigned to either a surgery or an alternative option, therefore making it difficult to compare the safety of different options. Additionally, the exercise component was not ample activity or was done in addition to surgery, making it hard to assess the benefits of physical therapy.
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