The best-proven ways to delay knee replacement are strengthening exercise, weight loss and a brace. Injections can buy time: cortisone short term, and PRP or stem cell injections, which some people choose to try first despite less certain evidence. For younger people with arthritis on one side, an osteotomy (bone realignment) is another option.
Options
| Option | Evidence |
|---|---|
| Exercise and physio | Strong |
| Weight loss | Strong |
| Unloader brace | Moderate |
| Cortisone | Short-term relief |
| PRP | Mixed, promising in early arthritis |
| Stem cells | Early studies |
| Osteotomy | Good in selected younger patients |
Who is still likely to need a replacement
Bone-on-bone arthritis with deformity, severe pain at rest and failed non-surgical care. A doctor reviewing your X-ray or MRI can tell you where you stand.