A Long-Lasting, Non-Surgical Option for Knee Osteoarthritis
If knee osteoarthritis is affecting your walking, exercise, work or everyday life, Arthrosamid® may provide another treatment option when conventional approaches have not provided sufficient relief.
At Physio Resolutions, Arthrosamid® injections are delivered following a detailed clinical assessment to determine whether this treatment is appropriate for you. It is one of several injection therapies we offer, and is always considered as part of a wider plan to help you move well again.
Single injection
One treatment, injected directly into the knee joint.
Same-day procedure
Performed under local anaesthetic, so you can go home the same day.
Not a steroid
A hydrogel implant that works differently to a steroid injection.
Long-term research
Patients have been followed for five years after a single injection.
What is Arthrosamid®?
Arthrosamid® is an injectable polyacrylamide hydrogel (iPAAG) containing 2.5% cross-linked polyacrylamide and 97.5% water.
It is injected into the knee joint, where it spreads through the joint fluid and integrates with the lining of the joint (the synovial tissue). It acts as a non-biodegradable hydrogel implant, which means it is designed to stay in the joint rather than being broken down by the body.
Arthrosamid® is indicated for the symptomatic treatment of adults with knee osteoarthritis.
Could Arthrosamid® Be Suitable for Me?
Arthrosamid® may be considered for adults with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis, particularly where pain and stiffness are affecting everyday activities and other conservative treatments have not provided adequate relief.
It may be considered as part of a wider management programme alongside:
- Exercise and strengthening
- Weight management where appropriate
- Physiotherapy and rehabilitation
- Activity modification
- Other appropriate treatments for osteoarthritis
Every patient is different, and Arthrosamid® is not appropriate for everyone. A clinical assessment is required before treatment.
Before Treatment: Your Consultation
We recommend an initial consultation before proceeding with Arthrosamid®. This allows us to:
- Confirm that your symptoms are consistent with knee osteoarthritis
- Review your medical history and previous treatments
- Assess your knee clinically
- Review relevant imaging where available
- Discuss alternative treatment options
- Explain the potential benefits and risks of Arthrosamid®
- Decide together whether treatment is appropriate
What Happens During an Arthrosamid® Injection?
Your clinician will first assess your knee and discuss your symptoms, previous treatments and medical history. They will also talk you through the procedure, potential benefits, risks and aftercare before treatment, and explain how to prepare.
On the day of your injection:
- Your knee is cleaned and the treatment is performed using an aseptic technique.
- A local anaesthetic is used to numb the area around your knee.
- The Arthrosamid® hydrogel is injected directly into the knee joint, with ultrasound guidance.
- The needle is removed and a plaster is placed over the injection site.
Arthrosamid® is more viscous than other injections, so it may feel like a different sensation to treatments you have had before.
What Can I Expect After Treatment?
Recovery varies between individuals. Some patients experience improvement in pain, stiffness and function following treatment, although the response and timing of improvement can vary.
Straight After Your Injection
- You can usually leave the clinic 20 minutes after the injection or when ready.
- Your knee may feel uncomfortable as the anaesthetic wears off, although many patients do not report any discomfort.
- If you do feel discomfort, this may include mild to moderate pain or swelling at the injection site.
- You should continue your regular medication and pain relief as normal.
If your knee becomes red, hot, very swollen or more painful, contact us immediately.
In the Weeks That Follow
Some patients feel a degree of pain relief within 24 hours, but it can take four to twelve weeks to feel the full benefit.
As with any joint procedure, it is recommended that you avoid strenuous activity, such as tennis, jogging or long walks, for the first few weeks after the injection.
Rehabilitation
Arthrosamid® is intended to provide a longer-term treatment option rather than simply providing short-term symptom relief. It is important to continue appropriate rehabilitation and exercise following treatment.
As a physiotherapy clinic, we can support you with a structured exercise and rehabilitation programme to help you get the most from your treatment. Free rehabilitation resources are also available on the Arthrosamid® website.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Arthrosamid® is an injectable polyacrylamide hydrogel. It is not a corticosteroid and does not work by the same mechanism as a steroid injection.
We offer three types of injection for joint pain. Steroid injections reduce inflammation in the joint. Hyaluronic acid injections (Ostenil and Durolane) improve lubrication and cushioning within the joint. Arthrosamid® is a hydrogel implant for knee osteoarthritis that is designed to stay in the joint and provide a longer-term option.
Your clinician will recommend the most appropriate option following your assessment. You can read more about all of our injection therapies.
Arthrosamid® is a non-biodegradable hydrogel implant designed to remain within the joint.
Clinical research has demonstrated sustained improvements in symptoms following treatment, with patients followed for up to five years after a single injection. Individual responses vary, and no treatment can guarantee a particular duration or degree of benefit.
As with any injection into a joint, there are potential risks and side effects. These may include temporary pain or swelling following the procedure, infection and other complications associated with an intra-articular injection.
Your clinician will discuss the potential risks and benefits with you before treatment and assess whether Arthrosamid® is appropriate for you.
Yes, it is possible to have both knees treated with Arthrosamid®. Your clinician will advise on the most appropriate timing between treatments.
Further treatment with Arthrosamid® is not ruled out and can be discussed with your clinician, although trials have not yet been carried out to show the effect of repeat treatment.
Yes. If you need major surgery or dental treatment in the future, let your treating clinician know that you have an Arthrosamid® implant in your knee so they can make an accurate assessment.
There is no cure for osteoarthritis, but successful treatment with Arthrosamid® may reduce or relieve your knee pain. Your knee osteoarthritis may not improve and, in some cases, may get worse.
Patient Information
Download the official Arthrosamid® patient leaflet for more detail about the treatment and what to expect afterwards. Further information is available at arthrosamid.com.
Book an Arthrosamid® Consultation
If knee osteoarthritis is limiting your quality of life and you would like to explore your treatment options, contact Physio Resolutions to arrange an assessment.
We will assess your individual circumstances and advise whether Arthrosamid® is an appropriate option for you.