I cannot answer your question directly. However, I too, am nursing both knees with minimal remaining menisci from decades of being morbidly obese. Currently, the challenge is to put off corrective surgery, including knee joint replacement as long as possible. Let me explain further...
So, my current health regimen includes vitamin and mineral supplements intended to aid joint health, PLUS a regular program of weight lifting exercise to strengthen surrounding muscles to better support both knees.
I continue to dither over this because of two factors: (1) I am still able to do Camino, albeit sometimes with on-the-fly adjustments to walking plans due to sustained pain; and (2) I am waiting for the coming stem-cell treatment revolution for replacing meniscus cartilage...read on...
As you may know, the meniscus cartilage does not regenerate. Once torn, then trimmed surgically, you only have whatever is left. That is where I am presently. At times, activities cause bone-on-bone contact because of the lack of sufficient meniscus tissue. This is very painful. It stopped my 2016 Camino from Madrid at Sarria, of all places...
A friend and former colleague who lives in Ft. Worth, Texas, had a new type of procedure last year. They harvested his stem cells, then processed them in an on-site laboratory, while he waited. Later that same day, they re-injected these same stem cells directly into his remaining meniscus cartilage, in both knees.
He reported feeling poorly for the first week or two. But, by one-month out, he could feel the improvement. By two months out, he was back to his hobby of 'power-lifting' obscene amounts of dead weight...go figure... To each his or her own. I would be chuffed to simply be able to walk 25 km daily without pain while on Camino.
The final caveat here, is that, at present, this innovative stem cell procedure is still considered
'experimental' by the insurance companies. Hence, they refuse to pay for it. The cost is into five-figures (more than USD 10,000) for both knees.
Our insurance companies here tend to hold most innovation in that status (calling it experimental and optional or elective) and refuse to pay for it, even though it is hugely less expensive than joint replacement surgery. It is part of their actuarial model. Remember, insurance carriers are a business. As a general statement, they do not profit by paying claims. Only once they can show a revenue stream that argues for providing this less expensive treatment option will they offer compensation for it.
I had the exact experience in 2005 when I had to get my bariatric lap band installed. It cost me my Porsche Carrera to pay for it. But, things are things. It was well worth it to finally be able to control my obesity. Since then I have. YEs, I am still a big guy. But I weigh 45 kilos less than I did at my heaviest.
Ironically, 18 months after I paid handsomely for all of my then "elective surgery," insurance carriers started to pay for the lap band procedure, because it saved them money over other more expensive procedures and treatments for conditions resulting from continued obesity. Only when the actuaries can make a business case for doing "B" instead of "A" will they voluntarily make that change.
So, as regards my knees and meniscus replacement, I remain patient and hopeful. I wish you all well.
Hope this helps the dialog.