In the Spotlight: Six Highly Cited Physical Therapy Articles Worth Reading .

Six high-quality RCTs highlight physical therapy's evolving role as both a complement to surgery and a viable alternative in orthopaedics. Studies found PT to be noninferior to surgery for meniscal tears, proximal humerus fractures, and knee OA, with home-based rehab as effective as inpatient care after knee arthroplasty. While hip arthroscopy showed short-term benefit over PT for FAI, cost and adverse events were higher. These findings support PT as a clinically effective and cost-conscious option across musculoskeletal conditions.