Alternatives to TKR

Is there more to the knee issue than arthritis? What kind of damage to the structures? Were the consultants with orthopedic surgeons or ?
How is the knee issue affecting you? Mobility, pain, etc
How did they explain their determination that surgery would be needed? How old are you?

Well, I have bone on bone with moderate to severe arthritis. They were both surgeons so I guess their interest in surgery isn’t surprising. They both looked at the X-ray of my knee. As for how it is affecting me, I have pain but manage it with arthritis strength Tylenol. I manage activities of daily living alright.

My first reaction is that no doctor should ever dismiss a patient’s questions. I would not go back to them if it were me. Find another dr and ask about physical therapy, prp injections, and/or stem cell treatments.
Also, did you have an mri done? That might show more than an X-ray would.
I had a badly torn meniscus, and pretty beat up cartilage in my knee a few years back, but did pt to strengthen the muscles around the joint. It helped greatly.
To me, surgery is a last resort.

I just reread your post and realized you’re already looking for another dr. Try going to a regular orthopedist, or a D.O. , or what they call a functional medicine dr. If surgery truly is the only option, they can always refer you.

@kudzu I had great luck with a sports medicine orthopedist. They do not automatically "jump" to TKR. But, with bone-on-bone, pretty much any effort is really a band-aid. You can try PRP and other treatments, but most of these most likely just delay the inevitable.

What I have found so far in my own research are the cortisone shots, Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE), PRP, braces, Gel shots,and even the new supplement Cartigenix HP.
And praying that the Trump administration's stop on funding for especially North Western's research will end soon.

@sueinmn
I look at it differently. I see the various treatments not as bandaids but as progressive steps. When you’re climbing stairs you start at the bottom( least invasive). As long as that works or if it works, fine. You climb the steps as needed. I see joint replacement as the top step. To me, surgery itself is a major stress and assault on the body, to be avoided if possible. I know sometimes it isn’t possible; I ruptured a papillary muscle and had to have my mitral valve replaced in 2017. I had NO problem jumping to the “top step” immediately.
As far as delaying the inevitable, I see nothing inherently wrong with that. After all, death is inevitable but most of us would like to delay that.
As far as bone on bone in the knees, I think there are treatments, such as stem cells, that can regrow cartilage. Also synthetic disc injections.
I was told back around 2009 that the pt heard bone on bone in my knees, but I’m still going, doing weightlifting, backpacking, etc. Eveything I did before. All I do is physical therapy exercises and Tylenol as needed. In 2013 I tore the remaining meniscus in my right knee. My dr described my cartilage as a road full of potholes. The joint was unstable and when I did squats the knee would shift and the bones would grind together. I did a month of pt faithfully to strengthen the muscles around the joint and was able to take a 70 mile backpack packing trip on the Appalachian trail in New Hampshire shortly thereafter.
I guess everyone is different, and what’s right for one might not be for another

@kathleen1314 amen to your last prayer.

I was told the same in 2022..till date I'm ok woth exercise, PRP injections and sometimes pain meds ..so please research ALL avenues before you go in for TKR. It works for some n some friends i know still in pain.

There are many options that can improve your pain & delay the need for knee surgery. Try contacting a pain management specialist, not just an orthopedic surgeon. In the past 10 yrs, I've had cortisone shots, Hyaluronic gel injections, nerve blocks, RFA- Radio Frequency Ablation (they burn out the nerves that send pain messages to the brain) multiple rounds of physical therapy & many types of medication, including opioids. Each treatment has pros & cons, be sure & research them thoroughly & discuss options for your specific needs. None of them will be a miracle cure but can improve your symptoms. Good luck!