For Those Looking to Delay or Avoid Joint Surgery

Your Situation

Your doctor has started mentioning surgery. Maybe they said you’re a “candidate” for joint replacement, or suggested it’s “something to think about.” Perhaps you’ve been told it’s “inevitable.” That word hits hard.

You’re not ready. Maybe you’ve seen friends or family go through replacement surgery—some with great outcomes, others with complications or disappointment. You’ve read about recovery times measured in months. You know there’s no going back once it’s done.

Here’s something many patients aren’t told: in most cases, surgery is a choice, not an emergency. While there are situations where surgery becomes necessary, many people have options to delay it—sometimes for years, sometimes indefinitely. The key is understanding which treatments actually work and being strategic about your care.

Common Questions

“Is it really possible to avoid surgery?” For some patients, yes. Success depends on your specific condition, how advanced the arthritis is, your overall health, and how you respond to treatment. Some people find lasting relief with non-surgical options. Others successfully delay surgery for 5-10+ years while maintaining good quality of life.

“Aren’t I just delaying the inevitable?” Not necessarily. First, the longer you can delay surgery, the longer you benefit from improvements in surgical techniques and implant technology. Second, some people delay surgery until it’s no longer needed—because the joint stabilizes, or because their life circumstances change. Third, quality time now has value.

“What if I wait too long?” This is a valid concern. Severely deteriorated joints can make surgery more complex. Work with your provider to monitor your condition. The goal is delaying surgery while it’s still a good option, not waiting until it’s an emergency.

“Which non-surgical treatments actually work for advanced arthritis?” Evidence supports several options: viscosupplementation (gel injections) can provide relief for 6-12 months. Physical therapy strengthens supporting structures. Corticosteroid injections offer temporary relief during flares. Combined approaches often work better than single treatments.

“How do I know when surgery is the right choice?” Surgery makes sense when conservative treatments no longer provide adequate relief, when pain significantly impacts quality of life, and when you’re medically healthy enough for surgery and recovery. It’s a personal decision based on your specific situation.

Next Steps

A strategic approach to delaying surgery:

1. Get a clear picture of your joint - Updated imaging shows exactly where you stand
2. Try evidence-based treatments systematically - Don’t give up after one failed attempt
3. Optimize your overall health - Weight, strength, and general health affect all outcomes
4. Monitor and adjust - Track what works and modify your approach accordingly
5. Know your threshold - Define what quality of life means to you and when surgery becomes worth it

Resources For You

We’ve compiled resources for those committed to exploring alternatives:

• Surgery Delay Protocol: A comprehensive approach to maximizing non-surgical options
• Treatment Sequencing Guide: Which treatments to try and in what order
• Signs Surgery May Be Necessary: How to recognize when conservative care isn’t enough
• Questions Before Agreeing to Surgery: Make sure you’ve explored all options
• Second Opinion Checklist: What to ask another specialist

The choice about surgery timing is yours. Being informed about your options puts you in control of that decision. Whether you ultimately delay surgery for decades or decide it’s the right choice next year, you’ll know you made the decision with full information.