Hello dr. i have pain in r rear side of r knee. difficulty bending , pain when seated. otherwise strong and stable. mri: grade4 chrondo. leaking cyst. can pt help? or is surgery usually preferred? thx

Hi: Sometimes meniscus tear partially, could be source of some pain. The chondromalacia suggest degeneration of cartilage, another possible source of pain. Sitting could put pressure in some of this areas, like knelling. Exercise, strength quads beneficial. Surgery only when pain daily, severe, or doesn't allow you to walk properly. Consider visco-supplementation.

PT: It sounds like you have mild arthritis in the knee with chondromalacia patella or mild thinning of the cartilage behind the knee cap. Also possible bakers cyst. This can all be treated conservatively with anti inflammatory mess and physical therapy surgery is usually not needed.