Arthrosamid is an injection therapy designed to alleviate the symptoms associated with osteoarthritis, a condition characterised by the progressive deterioration of joint cartilage. This unique substance offers relief for patients suffering from anything from mild to severe stage (including bone on bone) knee arthritis, where symptoms like pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility are prominent. Its composition and mode of action make it particularly suitable for knee joint applications, where osteoarthritis often manifests with significant impact.
Manufactured from a biocompatible, synthetic hydrogel, Arthrosamid is engineered to mimic the properties of healthy joint fluid, providing lubrication and cushioning within the knee joint. The hydrogel comprises polyacrylamide particles suspended in a saline solution. When injected into the joint space, Arthrosamid replenishes lost synovial fluid, reduces friction between the articulating surfaces of the knee, and cushions the joint against impact forces during movement.
The success of Arthrosamid in relieving joint pain and improving function has been notable. Clinical studies have demonstrated significant reductions in pain scores, increased joint mobility, and improvements in quality of life for individuals treated with Arthrosamid injections. Moreover, its safety profile has been favourable, with few reported adverse events or complications associated with its use.
Administering Arthrosamid involves a specialised technique known as ultrasound-guided injection. This precise method ensures accurate placement of the hydrogel within the knee joint, maximising its effectiveness.
Arthrosamid Procedure
Prior to the procedure, an antibiotic will be arranged to be sent to the patient. This will be taken 2 hours before the injection as a preventative measure for infection.
On the day of the injection:
- Patient Preparation: The patient is positioned comfortably on an examination table, typically lying flat. The knee to be injected is exposed and cleaned with an antiseptic solution to minimise the risk of infection.
- Ultrasound Guidance: A high-resolution ultrasound machine is used to visualise the internal structures of the knee joint in real-time. Conductive gel is applied to the skin overlying the joint and then the ultrasound probe is placed in the appropriate location to obtain clear images of the joint space.
- Needle Insertion: Using the ultrasound images as a guide, the optimal entry point is ascertained for the needle into the knee joint. A local anaesthetic may be administered to numb the skin and deeper tissues, ensuring minimal discomfort during the injection.
- Injection of Arthrosamid: With precise guidance from the ultrasound, the needle is inserted into the joint space. Once the needle tip is positioned correctly within the synovial cavity, the Arthrosamid solution is slowly injected, filling the space and distributing evenly within the joint.
- Monitoring and Post-Injection Care: The patient is advised to avoid strenuous activities for a short period following the procedure and may be advised to take pain medication or anti-inflammatory drugs to manage any discomfort.
What Is Knee Osteoarthritis?
Knee osteoarthritis (arthritis that affects the knee bones/joints) is a long-term condition that worsens over time, causing pain and disability. It is most common in the knee joint, where it wears away the shock-absorbing cartilage and causes the bones to rub together. As a result the joint becomes stiff, swollen and painful.
No one knows exactly what causes knee osteoarthritis. There is no permanent cure and, until now, treatments have focused on managing the symptoms. They include:
- Exercise
- Weight Loss
- Pain Relief Medication
- Viscosupplement Injections
- Braces
- Physiotherapy
When these therapies fail total knee replacement surgery is often the only option. Things are about to change.
What Is Arthrosamid?
Arthrosamid® is a new type of treatment for knee osteoarthritis that offers patients an effective alternative to the currently available therapies. Based on an innovative non-biodegradable hydrogel technology, Arthrosamid® is 2.5% cross-linked polyacrylamide and 97.5% water. When injected into the knee Arthrosamid® cushions the joint and reduces pain, providing safe and sustained relief, all with one injection.
How Does It Work?
Arthrosamid® is an intra-articular polyacrylamide hydrogel injection (iPAAG) for the symptomatic treatment of knee osteoarthritis. Once injected into the inner joint cavity, it restores viscosity within the synovial fluid, improving lubrication and cushioning of the joint. Arthrosamid® also integrates into the synovium of the inner joint capsule creating a cushion-like effect.
The Benefits of Arthrosamid
Because Arthrosamid® works to cushion the joint, it can reduce your pain, decrease stiffness, and help movement. It has been shown to be safe and can give long-acting pain relief, improving your quality of life.
Contraindications
Arthrosamid® should not be injected:
- If an active skin disease or infection is present at or near the injection site
- If the joint is infected or severely inflamed
- If a degradable intra-articular injectable such as hyaluronic acid is present, it must be expected to be absorbed according to the manufacturer’s information for the specific product, before injection with Arthrosamid®
- If the patient has previously received treatment with a different non-absorbable injectable/implant
- If the patient has received a knee arthroplasty or has any foreign material in the knee
- If the patient has undergone knee arthroscopy within the last 6 months
- In hemophilia patients or in patients in uncontrolled anticoagulant treatment
Arthrosamid Injections in Essex
Private Injection Clinics is your trusted partner for fast and effective pain relief in Essex. Our clinics in Colchester and Leigh-on-Sea offer advanced injection therapy for a wide range of conditions. If you’re in pain and want to know how we can help you, call 01702 826800 or email [email protected].
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Frequently Asked Questions
Arthrosamid® is an innovative intra-articular injection used to treat all severities of knee osteoarthritis (OA). It contains polyacrylamide hydrogel (PAAG), which integrates into the synovial tissue and helps improve cushioning and lubrication inside the joint, providing long-term pain relief and improved mobility.
Arthrosamid is specifically licensed for:
– Knee osteoarthritis (OA)
– Long-term knee pain and stiffness
– Reduced mobility or discomfort affecting daily life
It is ideal for people who have tried physiotherapy, medications, or steroid injections without sufficient relief.
After injection into the knee joint, the hydrogel becomes part of the soft tissue lining, creating a lasting cushioning effect and reducing inflammation and irritation within the joint. Unlike temporary treatments, Arthrosamid works by changing the joint environment to support smoother movement and less pain.
Yes, Arthrosamid is always ultrasound-guided for precise, accurate placement and optimal results. This ensures the injection is delivered into the correct area of the joint safely.
One of the key benefits of Arthrosamid is its longevity, with clinical studies showing that a single treatment can provide pain relief lasting up to 2 years (and potentially longer for many patients). It offers a longer-lasting option than steroid or hyaluronic acid injections.
Improvement is not instant. Pain relief may begin gradually and can take from 1 to 6 months to fully develop. The treatment works by changing the internal joint environment over time, so benefits build progressively.
Based on current published research:
– Patients under 70 years old have around an 80% likelihood of success
– Patients over 70 years old have around a 60% likelihood
Individual outcomes vary depending on joint condition and lifestyle factors, and suitability is always assessed before treatment.
You may be a good candidate if you:
– Have knee osteoarthritis affecting daily function
– Experience knee pain not relieved by exercise therapy or medication
– Prefer to avoid surgery or joint replacement for as long as possible
– Want a long-term alternative to steroid injections
Assessment is required to confirm suitability.
See Table 1 below.
Many patients notice improvement within weeks, with continued improvement over time as the joint environment stabilises. Expected benefits include:
– Less daily pain
– Reduced stiffness
– Better walking distance and activity tolerance
– Improved quality of life
Yes, Arthrosamid has been rigorously tested in clinical trials and has a strong safety profile.
Side effects are usually mild and temporary, such as swelling or soreness after the injection.
Arthrosamid may not be appropriate if you:
– Have an active infection in or around the knee
– Have inflammatory arthritis (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis)
– Have uncontrolled medical conditions affecting healing
A consultation will help determine suitability.
Resources
| Arthrosamid | Steroid | Hyaluronic Acid |
|---|---|---|
| Long-term relief (up to 4 years) | Short-term relief (weeks–months) | Medium-term relief (months) |
| Hydrogel that integrates into joint lining | Reduces inflammation only | Improves lubrication |
| Not degraded by the body | Temporary | Temporary |
| Single treatment | Repeated treatments | Course of 1–3 injections |
| All severities of OA | Mild to Moderate OA | Mild to Moderate OA |