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Why ‘Useless’ Surgery Is Still Popular

The results are in - recent studies have shown that orthopedic surgery is no better than alternative nonsurgical treatments, like supervised exercise and therapy. According to The New York Times, "spinal fusion rates continued to soar in the United States until 2012, shortly after Blue Cross of North Carolina said it would no longer pay and some other insurers followed suit."

IS YOUR DOCTOR OFFERING FINANCIALLY INFLUENCED MEDICAL ADVICE? A recent study found arthroscopic knee surgery for degenerative meniscal tears had no more benefit than “sham surgery”. Appropriate exercise is key to preventing and relieving most knee pain by strengthening your joint and its supportive structures, improving flexibility, and helping to optimize body weight.