American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

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What is the common treatment approach for chronic degenerative meniscal tears?

  1. Immediate surgical intervention

  2. Activity modification

  3. Physical therapy only

  4. Surgical intervention in cases of persistent symptoms

The correct answer is: Surgical intervention in cases of persistent symptoms

The most appropriate treatment approach for chronic degenerative meniscal tears is to consider surgical intervention in cases where patients experience persistent symptoms despite conservative management. This reflects current clinical practice that emphasizes initially exploring non-operative strategies, such as activity modification and physical therapy, for individuals with degenerative meniscal tears. In chronic cases, particularly among older adults, meniscal tears often don’t warrant immediate surgical intervention since many patients can improve with conservative measures. However, if symptoms persist—such as pain, swelling, or mechanical symptoms like locking or catching—surgical options, including arthroscopic meniscus repair or partial meniscectomy, may be indicated. This stepwise approach ensures that surgery is utilized when truly necessary, balancing treatment efficacy with the risks and costs associated with surgical procedures.

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