For a patient with a medial meniscus tear, what is likely to yield the best long-term result?

The most likely option to yield the best long-term result for a patient with a medial meniscus tear is continued physical therapy. Physical therapy can focus on strengthening the muscles around the knee, improving the range of motion, and enhancing overall joint function. This conservative approach often helps alleviate pain and may allow the meniscus to heal or stabilize without the need for surgical intervention.

In many cases, surgery may not always result in improved long-term outcomes, especially in less severe tears or in patients who are active in rehabilitation. By pursuing physical therapy, patients also reduce the risks associated with surgical procedures, such as infection or complications from anesthesia. Additionally, physical therapy promotes a better understanding of the injury, encouraging patients to adhere to appropriate activity levels and exercises that can prevent future issues.

Candidates for surgical options might only be those with severe tears or cases where conservative management does not lead to improvement. Hence, in the context of a medial meniscus tear, continued physical therapy stands out as a beneficial long-term management strategy.