Meniscus Tear

A study published in the NEJM in 2013 showed similar functional scores after two years between the surgery group and the physical therapy group for patients with degenerative meniscal tears, indicating that the principle of prioritizing surgery for degenerative tears is gradually shifting. Conservative treatment is suitable instead of surgery in the following cases: ① mild or intermittent symptoms, ② partial or horizontal tears on MRI, and ③ low activity levels in patients aged 65 or older. On the other hand, surgery yields better results for young patients with locking symptoms, complete ruptures, or those aiming to return to sports. Regardless of whether surgery is performed, pain and swelling may persist for a long time even after operation if stagnant blood and waste products have accumulated within the joint. Korean medicine plays a role in accelerating recovery by regulating the body's condition before surgery and, after surgery, clearing stagnant blood and supplementing weakened kidney energy. At Dongjedang, we often aim for a return to daily life without surgery by referring to MRI findings to reduce inflammation within the joint using moxibustion and pharmacopuncture, and by regulating internal organ functions with herbal medicine tailored to the patient's constitution. We determine the course of treatment by re-evaluating the response at intervals of 4 to 6 weeks.