Common knee surgery proves ineffective and worsens patient outcomes
Updated
Updated · ScienceDaily · May 6
Common knee surgery proves ineffective and worsens patient outcomes
9 articles · Updated · ScienceDaily · May 6
University of Helsinki researchers said the 10-year FIDELITY trial followed 146 patients with degenerative meniscal tears, comparing partial meniscectomy with sham surgery.
Operated patients reported more symptoms, poorer knee function, faster osteoarthritis progression and a higher likelihood of further knee surgery than placebo patients.
The procedure remains widely used internationally despite earlier randomized studies and some guideline groups urging it be dropped, while AAOS and BASK have continued to endorse it.
A common knee surgery is now proven harmful. Why do doctors still perform hundreds of thousands each year?
If knee surgery for wear-and-tear fails, what are the proven non-surgical treatments that actually work for patients?
Landmark FIDELITY Study Confirms Arthroscopic Meniscectomy Ineffective and Harmful for Degenerative Knee Tears
Overview
The landmark FIDELITY trial (2026) conclusively showed that arthroscopic partial meniscectomy (APM) offers no meaningful benefit over sham surgery for degenerative meniscal tears and actually accelerates osteoarthritis progression, leading to more knee replacements. This harm occurs because removing meniscal tissue compromises the knee's shock absorption, increasing mechanical stress on cartilage. In contrast, conservative care preserves the meniscus and strengthens muscles around the knee, reducing joint stress and lowering osteoarthritis risk. Updated 2024 guidelines now restrict surgery to specific acute tears after failed conservative treatment. Despite strong evidence and patient education driving a decline in unnecessary APM, resistance from some orthopedic bodies causes inconsistent practice and ongoing overuse of surgery.