Same goes for meniscus injuries in the knee (excluding probably things like bucket handle tears that risk further damage with use).

Tore my right meniscus in a skateboarding accident, was recommended keyhole surgery to shave it down but due to being fresh out of university and starting my career I couldn't be bothered to deal with the downtime of surgery etc. Figured I'd deal with it later if it got worse / didn't improve.

And you know what, after 24 months or so of limping about I was pretty much completely recovered and ten years later the knee is still in good shape. Meniscus injuries do heal, they just take a very long time and most surgeons/patients just don't have the patience for rehab. All-in-all no regrets.

I think clinical guidelines are actually swinging back to conservative treatment now. Kind of a reminder about how poorly evidence based surgery can sometimes be (but of course like any tool also a lifesaver).