The Year in Medicine 2008

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Knee Surgery: Study Doubts Benefits

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One more reason to think twice before you have arthroscopic knee surgery for osteoarthritis: a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine suggests that the procedure does no better at relieving symptoms than physical therapy or anti-inflammatory drugs. What's more, patients who do feel improvement after surgery may merely be experiencing a placebo effect. This finding echoes a 2002 government study showing that outcomes were similar whether a patient underwent real arthroscopic surgery or a sham procedure in which an incision was made but no actual work was done. That study prompted Medicare to drop coverage for the surgery as a treatment for osteoarthritis.

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Introduction

America's Health Checkup

It's hard enough to make it to your own annual physical. In this issue, TIME takes the entire nation to the doctor

Obama and Health Care

Reform's Moment May Be Now

Although it's no slam dunk, the President-elect's health-care plan has a fair shot at success

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5 Truths About Health Care in America

Forget about what you thought you knew about America's health care. These five facts may surprise you

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