Q. Is surgery always needed for a torn cartilage in the knee? My doctor said I need surgery but I think my dad had the same thing and was treated with therapy.

A. When I was in training, one of my very wise teachers taught me that knees are like faces, everyone is a little different. Treatment recommendations for a particular knee problem, like a torn cartilage, depend on many factors.

Relatively minor tears in older more sedentary individuals can often been treated with exercises and therapy especially if they are not producing any symptoms or just minimal symptoms. On the other hand, younger more active individuals with symptoms mostly likely will need arthroscopic surgery which may include either removal of a portion of the torn cartilage or even repair of the cartilage.

The cartilage or meniscus is a very important shock absorber for the knee and every effort should be made to minimize the amount removed when possible. Surgery for cartilage tears involves a relatively minor out-patient arthroscopic procedure with 2 tiny puncture type incisions and a rapid recovery.