This might be a silly question, but have you tried PT first? I’ve had knee issues and got some amazing results by religiously doing the exercises. Strengthening the muscles around the joint will do a lot.
I had excruciating knee pain back in 2013, large tear in the meniscus, plus potholes in the cartilage, and unstable joint. I didn’t want surgery as I’d already lost the other meniscus.
Dr dubiously said we’d try PT for 30 days. I went at it faithfully, and at the end of the month he was amazed at my function and lack of pain. He said he really had had doubts that it would work. I was able to take a long section hike on the Appalachian Trail in New Hampshire, wearing a knee brace but without issue.
Reading this joint replacement forum and talking to other people, I seem to notice that no matter which joint it is, it’s the more active or athletic people who are most likely to regret the surgery. Don’t know why, except that we are the ones who demand the most from our bodies and are most likely to notice issues.
Best of luck, please just give it a lot of thought.