@santi : Since you are in a 6 months waiting period, let me throw some ideas at you. I had arthroscopic knee surgery 10/17, hoping it would do the trick (meniscus+cartilage tear, etc.). It did not. After 11 months of pretty much constant - though not excruciating - pain that really limited what I could physically do, I gave in and had TKR. Average to above average recovery, pretty much I’d say it was worth it. HOWEVER: my brother, who was 65 at the time, also had sudden onset of knee pain. Xray showed meniscus tear and severe inflammation on bone. TKR recommended. He figured, that will always be an option, and went searching for alternatives. Found a PT/massage therapist who was a ski racer himself and has treated many athletes. My brother had 10 sessions of acu-massage and manipulation and was given daily exercises to do. Initially no change in pain, but after 3 months a new Xray showed healed bone and meniscus. This was followed up with 8 sessions of acupuncture by a specialist in TCM (traditional chinese medicine). Also, he took several natural supplements. After 6 months he is pain free and fully functional. So while you are waiting on surgery, perhaps explore alternatives. Not trying to scare you away or question your orthos’ judgement, but what can it hurt? If I had known, I would also have tried something else (in addition to useless cortisone shots and supartz injections) before TKR.