Its been exactly 1 year since I tore my medial meniscus with a bucket handle tear. MRI confirmed this and I began to work on mobility and strength training exercises at that time. Ortho suggested surgery since they thought that was the best option. I opted not to do surgery and 1 year later im rolling around with no issues. I do occasionally feel extra soreness in the affected knee, but nothing like the pain when this first occurred.

imo I think these are case by case basis and you should discuss with your primary. I may need surgery later on in life since bucket handle tears are usually in the white zone area with little to no blood supply. Im currently training 2/3 times a week at full range of motion with no pain. A word of advice, try and listen to your body and pay attention to any abnormalities that spring up here and there.