Thanks Kay,

IMO the best surgeons never come out and recommend joint replacement. Rather they'll have a patient try PT, cortisone shots and other palliative measures before resorting to surgery.

Having been through two knee replacements, one hip, and one shoulder, my opinion is that once all the cartilage is gone from a joint and arthritis is present, it's time for a replacement.

But that should come as a suggestion/option, not as your only immediate choice.

Joe