@trimomlewis What a good idea to think ahead!
New techniques for joint replacements are being developed all the time, and older techniques are being improved. How far down the road are you looking?
Here is a comparison of traditional, minimally invasive and partial methods as well as less invasive treatments:
https://www.arthritis-health.com/surgery/knee-surgery/types-knee-surgery-arthritis-treatment
Jiffy Knee replacement is one minimally invasive technique.
Another technique is the robotic-assisted surgery, of which Mako by Stryker is one technique. These surgeries require specialized equipment and extra training for the entire surgical team, so may have limited availability.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/departments-centers/robotic-orthopedic-surgery/overview/ovc-20472153
This is not a complete list - just what I found using a quick search.
Here are the most important things to remember - joint surgery technology & techniques are a constantly changing field, but the patient and surgeon are partners in the endeavor. Maximum success is achieved by finding a skillful surgeon YOU can work with, preparing for surgery by being as strong as possible beforehand, and committing to the HARD work of physical therapy to recover fully - sometimes for as long as a year depending upon your body. In other words, 10 hours of this journey belong to your surgeon, but 1000 hours belong to you.
Have you been trying PT, injections or other strategies to keep your own knee going?
In Australia..in my research...only PRP injections / Stem Cell therapy are the only latest treatments. Overseas, I believe many other treatments like Replacement cartiledge insertions, MISHA knee, chicken comb injections ++ are being used for over 5 years but not approved here in Oz. This is my research.