Arthrosamid® London
Knee osteoarthritis is a long-term condition where the smooth, cushioning layer inside the knee joint (cartilage) gradually wears away. This cushioning helps the knee move and absorb impact. As it wears, the joint can become painful, stiff and swollen, especially during everyday activities like walking or climbing stairs.
Arthrosamid® is an injection treatment that may help ease ongoing knee pain and stiffness for selected people with knee osteoarthritis – without surgery.
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Arthrosamid at a glance
- Single knee injection under local anaesthetic
- Permanent hydrogel that integrates with the joint lining
- Helping reduce pain and stiffness from knee osteoarthritis
- Gradual improvement over 6 to 12 weeks
- Relief that can last for years, with individual responses varying
What is Arthrosamid?
Arthrosamid is a non-surgical injection treatment that may help reduce knee pain and stiffness caused by osteoarthritis (OA). It’s usually considered when symptoms haven’t improved with treatments like physiotherapy or pain relief medication.
Unlike temporary injections, Arthrosamid is designed to stay within the knee joint. It gradually integrates with the joint lining, which helps the knee move more comfortably and can reduce pain over time.
The treatment is given as a single injection under local anaesthetic. It’s carried out by an experienced clinician, and you can go home the same day.
Supported by more than two decades of research, Arthrosamid is suitable, safe and effective for most patients with knee OA, and can offer a significant, long-lasting reduction in knee OA pain even five years post-treatment. However, it is worth noting that results may vary, and it doesn’t stop osteoarthritis from progressing.
At OS Clinic, we offer Arthrosamid after a thorough assessment with a consultant knee specialist, so you can understand whether it’s right for you.
Arthrosamid
After the injection, Arthrosamid settles inside the knee joint and gradually becomes part of the joint lining. This lining helps the knee move smoothly, but in osteoarthritis, it can become stiff and irritated.
As Arthrosamid integrates with this lining, it helps make it more flexible. Over time, this can reduce stiffness and ease pain, making the knee more comfortable to move.
This process doesn’t happen straight away. Most people notice gradual improvement over around 6 to 12 weeks, rather than immediate relief.
Because Arthrosamid stays within the joint lining, its effects can last longer than temporary injections. Some people experience ongoing pain relief after a single treatment, although results vary and osteoarthritis can still progress.
It’s important to bear in mind that there is no cure for osteoarthritis, but successful treatment with Arthrosamid may reduce or relieve your knee pain. You should also bear in mind that your knee osteoarthritis may not improve and, in some cases, may get worse.
Arthrosamid may be an option if you have knee osteoarthritis and your symptoms haven’t improved with first-line treatments.
It’s most often considered for people who:
- Have ongoing knee pain and stiffness from osteoarthritis
- Haven’t found pain relief from physiotherapy, weight management or medication
- Are not finding repeated steroid or hyaluronic acid injections helpful
- Want to avoid or delay knee replacement surgery
It may not be suitable if you:
- Have advanced knee arthritis, where surgery is likely to be a better option
- Have an active infection in or around the knee
- Have certain medical conditions that affect joint health or healing
Before any treatment, you’ll have a consultation with a consultant knee specialist. They’ll examine your knee, review any scans if needed and talk you through whether Arthrosamid is appropriate for you, including the possible benefits, limitations and alternatives.
Treatment with Arthrosamid® remains safe and effective for its intended use five years after injection.
Arthrosamid may offer longer-lasting symptom relief for some people with knee osteoarthritis. Potential benefits include:
- Longer-lasting pain relief than temporary injection treatments for some patients
- A single injection rather than repeated courses of treatment
- A non-surgical outpatient procedure
- No hospital stay and no prolonged surgical recovery
- The possibility of delaying surgery in some cases
The level of relief you experience will depend on factors such as your symptoms and the stage of arthritis in your knee.
Before the injection, the area around your knee is numbed with a local anaesthetic to help keep you comfortable. Depending on your individual assessment, you may also be given antibiotics beforehand to reduce the risk of infection.
Your knee is then cleaned carefully, and Arthrosamid is injected directly into the knee joint. In some cases, ultrasound guidance is used to help ensure the injection is placed accurately.
Once the injection is complete, the needle is removed, and a small dressing is applied. You can usually return home the same day.
Afterwards, Arthrosamid disperses within the joint fluid and gradually becomes part of the lining of the knee joint. This process happens over several weeks as the treatment integrates with the joint lining.
Treatment with Arthrosamid is a simple, one-step outpatient procedure, which doesn’t involve the disruptive recovery period usually associated with surgery.
Most people can return to normal daily activities shortly afterwards. You may notice some temporary discomfort, stiffness or swelling in the knee, particularly in the first few days. This is common and usually settles on its own.
Pain relief isn’t immediate. Symptoms tend to improve gradually as the Arthrosamid integrates with the lining of the knee joint. Many patients notice changes over the first 6 to 12 weeks, rather than straight away.
Your consultant will give you individual guidance on activity, exercise and physiotherapy after treatment. It’s important to follow this advice and to let the clinic know if you experience increasing pain, swelling or other concerning symptoms.
If you’re considering Arthrosamid, it’s important that the treatment is offered thoughtfully and for the right reasons.
At OS Clinic, Arthrosamid is provided as part of a consultant-led knee service. You’ll be assessed by a specialist who’ll take the time to understand your knee pain, your day-to-day limitations and what you’re hoping to achieve from treatment.
Arthrosamid is only recommended when it’s felt to be appropriate for your knee and stage of osteoarthritis. If it is, the injection is carried out by clinicians experienced in knee injections, with careful technique and clear aftercare advice.
If it isn’t the right option, your consultant will explain why and help you consider other treatments that may be more suitable for you.
If you’re considering Arthrosamid for knee osteoarthritis, our team can help you take the next step.
You’ll first be seen by a consultant knee specialist, who’ll assess your symptoms, review any imaging and discuss whether Arthrosamid is appropriate for you. If it’s not the right option, they’ll talk you through alternative treatments.
If you’d like to speak to one of our team or arrange a consultation, please get in touch.
