There is much debate on the best way to treat a patient who has suffered an ACL tear regarding graft choice and when to do the surgery. However, the one opinion that most agree upon is doing a reconstruction on an isolated ACL injury to all school-age athletes and those individuals who want to return to high-risk activities is appropriate.
Conservative treatments for symptomatic knee osteoarthritis (OA), especially physical therapy, are more effective than many physicians think they are in relieving pain and improving function.
Common knee problems such as asymptomatic meniscus tears and most osteoarthritis will heal with non-operative treatment. Yet, patients with these problems are often told they need surgery based solely on an MRI or X-rays.