Arthrosamid® for Knee Osteoarthritis

What is Arthrosamid®?

Arthrosamid® is an injectable, non-biodegradable polyacrylamide hydrogel used for symptomatic knee osteoarthritis. It contains 97.5% water and 2.5% cross-linked polyacrylamide and remains in the joint as a permanent implant.

The aim is to reduce symptoms such as pain and improve function. It is not a cure for osteoarthritis, and benefit is not guaranteed.

Where does it fit into knee osteoarthritis care?

Exercise tailored to your needs, information and support, and weight management where appropriate are core parts of osteoarthritis care. An injection should be considered within a broader management plan.

Your consultation is an opportunity to discuss what you have already tried, how symptoms affect daily life and what you hope treatment will achieve.

Arthrosamid® is different from a steroid or hyaluronic acid injection. Ask your clinician to explain the evidence, uncertainties, costs and alternatives for your situation.

What benefits might patients experience?

Potential benefits include less knee pain, improved movement and greater ease with everyday activities. Responses vary, and some patients may not experience a worthwhile improvement.

• Pain: discuss which activities are most limited and what a meaningful improvement would look like.
• Function: consider practical goals such as walking, stairs or participating in an agreed exercise programme.
• Non-surgical care: this is an injection procedure, but it is not a guaranteed alternative to knee replacement.

How long does pain relief last?

The treatment is intended to provide sustained symptom relief, but no fixed duration can be promised for an individual patient. Ask your clinician about current follow-up evidence and how it applies to you.

The hydrogel remaining in the knee does not mean the benefit is necessarily permanent. Further assessment may be needed if symptoms persist or return.

How is Arthrosamid® injected?

At The Podiatry Clinics, the treatment is performed using ultrasound guidance. This helps the clinician visualise the joint and guide needle placement; it does not guarantee a successful outcome or remove procedural risks.

1. Assessment and consent: your clinician reviews suitability and explains benefits, risks and alternatives.
2. Preparation: antibiotics are given before treatment in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Tell the clinician about allergies.
3. The procedure: the skin is cleaned, local anaesthetic is used and the hydrogel is injected into the knee joint.
4. Aftercare: you receive individual instructions on activity, symptoms to monitor and follow-up.

What are the risks and suitability considerations?

Pain and swelling can follow treatment; infection is a rare but important risk. A non-surgical procedure is not risk-free.

Active infection, previous knee implants or injections, recent surgery, bleeding disorders and some other health conditions can affect suitability. This is not a complete eligibility checklist.

Questions to discuss before deciding

• Is my knee pain caused by osteoarthritis?
• Why might this option be suitable for me?
• What alternatives should I consider?
• What improvement is realistic, and what if it does not help?
• What does the quoted price include?
• What aftercare and follow-up will I receive?

Recovery and follow-up

Do not assume that you should immediately resume your usual exercise or sporting activity. Follow the instructions provided for your procedure and agree how to build activity back up.

Ask the team what discomfort to expect, which pain relief is suitable and how to get help outside clinic hours. Your review should consider symptoms, function and progress towards your agreed goals.