In the United States, we have a long history of placing our trust in medical science. But is this blind trust always warranted? Let’s take a closer look at the controversial issues surrounding medical treatments for knee pain – specifically, steroid injections, meniscal surgery, knee replacements, and NSAIDs – and how this controversy is often suppressed in favor of pharmaceutical solutions.

The Myth of Steroid Injections

Steroid injections have long been a popular treatment for knee pain, with many patients believing that they are a fast and effective way to alleviate pain and inflammation. However, recent research has shown that steroid injections may not be as beneficial as we once thought.

A 2017 study published in the

Journal of Clinical Orthopaedics and Trauma

found that steroid injections offered no significant benefit in the treatment of knee pain. The study, which involved 140 patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis, concluded that “steroid injections did not improve knee pain or function at any time point during the 2-year follow-up.” This suggests that the long-term effects of steroid injections may not be as positive as many believe.

The myth of the effectiveness of steroid injections may be perpetuated by the fact that they provide short-term relief for some patients. A 2015 study in the

American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

found that, while steroid injections provided immediate pain relief, this effect was not sustained beyond three months.

In light of these findings, it’s clear that steroid injections may not be the miracle cure many knee pain sufferers are led to believe. Yet, the treatment continues to be widely used, and the pharmaceutical companies that manufacture steroids continue to profit. This raises questions about the influence of Big Pharma on healthcare and the need for rigorous scientific standards in the field.

The Fallacy of Meniscal Surgery

Another common knee treatment that often fails to live up to its promises is meniscal surgery. This procedure, which involves trimming or repairing a torn meniscus, is frequently recommended for knee

pain, particularly in older adults. However, evidence suggests that the benefits of meniscal surgery may be overstated.

A 2017 study published in the

New England Journal of Medicine

found that, among 146 patients aged 45 and older with a meniscal tear, those who underwent surgery and those who received physical therapy had similar outcomes in terms of pain and physical function after six months. The study concluded that “Physical therapy was non-inferior to arthroscopic partial meniscectomy for the long-term relief of pain and improvement of function in patients aged 45 years and older.” This suggests that, for many patients, meniscal surgery may not be necessary to alleviate knee pain.

Despite these findings, meniscal surgery remains a common procedure, with over 700,000 surgeries performed each year, making it a lucrative business for orthopedic surgeons and a source of revenue for pharmaceutical companies.

The Knee Replacement Mirage

Knee replacements, also known as knee arthroplasty, are often recommended for patients with severe knee pain or arthritis. This procedure involves removing damaged bone and cartilage and replacing them with metal or plastic prosthetics. While knee replacements can be highly effective in reducing pain and improving function, they are not without their risks and limitations.

A 2019 study in the

Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

found that 30-day postoperative complications are common after knee replacement surgery, with wound complications, sepsis, and pneumonia occurring in less than 2% of patients. The study also highlighted the importance of appropriate patient selection, with factors like age, comorbidities, and patient preferences playing a crucial role in the decision to proceed with surgery.

Despite these cautions, knee replacements continue to be a popular treatment for knee pain. This may be due to the influence of Big Pharma, the financial incentives for healthcare providers, or simply the lack of awareness about alternative, non-pharmacological treatments.

The NSAID Conundrum

NSAIDs, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, are a common first-line treatment for knee pain. They are often recommended for conditions like osteoarthritis, as they can help reduce pain and inflammation. However, their long-term use can have serious side effects.

A 2017 study in the

Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine

found that regular use of NSAIDs is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events. The study, which analyzed data from over 61,460 patients, concluded that “The use of NSAIDs was

associated with a small but significant increase in the risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, and death.” This suggests that, like steroid injections and meniscal surgery, the long-term benefits of NSAIDs may not outweigh the risks.

Despite these findings, NSAIDs continue to be widely used. This may be due to the aggressive marketing and promotion of these drugs by pharmaceutical companies, as well as the influence of medical professionals who receive financial incentives for prescribing them.

In conclusion, the controversies surrounding treatments for knee pain, such as steroid injections, meniscal surgery, knee replacements, and NSAIDs, highlight the need for rigorous scientific standards in the field of medicine. The blind trust in medical science, the influence of Big Pharma,

and the financial incentives for prescribing certain treatments can often lead to the overuse of these treatments and the suppression of evidence that may refute their effectiveness. As patients, it’s

essential to be informed, ask questions, and seek evidence-based treatments. And as healthcare providers, it’s our responsibility to prioritize the well-being of our patients over financial gain or convenience.