Arthrosamid® Knee Injections for Osteoarthritis

Arthrosamid® is a relatively new injectable treatment for knee osteoarthritis, used in selected patients to help reduce pain and improve function.

I offer assessment and treatment for patients from Stoke-on-Trent, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Stafford, Stone and across Staffordshire who are exploring non-surgical options for knee arthritis.

It is most commonly considered when symptoms persist despite physiotherapy, exercise, and standard injections, but before proceeding to knee replacement surgery.

What is Arthrosamid® ?

Arthrosamid® is a non-biodegradable hydrogel injection made of approximately 97.5% water and 2.5% cross-linked polyacrylamide.

Unlike steroid or hyaluronic acid injections, it is designed to integrate with the synovial lining of the knee joint.

The aim is to improve the joint environment and reduce symptoms related to osteoarthritis. It remains in the joint long term and is not absorbed by the body

Who is Arthrosamid® suitable for?

Arthrosamid® may be considered for patients with:

Z
Mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis
Z
Persistent knee pain despite physiotherapy and medication
Z
Limited response to steroid injections
Z
Preference to delay or avoid surgery
Z
Realistic expectations about symptom improvement

It is generally not suitable for advanced “bone-on-bone” arthritis, where knee replacement surgery is more predictable. However, when knee replacement surgery is not an option, it may be considered in more advanced cases.

How is the procedure performed?

The injection is performed as an outpatient procedure.

Z
You are given antibiotocs to take 30 minutes prior to the procedure
Z
Local anaesthetic is used
Z
Arthrosamid® is injected directly into the knee joint
Z
Imaging guidance may be used in selected cases
Z
Procedure time is typically 15–20 minutes
Patients usually walk immediately afterwards and return home the same day.

Recovery after Arthrosamid®

After the injection:
Z
Mild pain or swelling may occur for a few days
Z
Activity should be reduced for 24–48 hours
Z
Gradual return to normal activity is advised
Improvement is variable:
Z
Some patients notice benefit within weeks
Z
Others may take several months
Z
Some may not experience significant improvement

How effective is Arthrosamid® ?

Evidence suggests Arthrosamid® may provide longer-lasting symptom improvement than some traditional injection therapies in selected patients.

However:

Z
Outcomes vary between individuals
Z
It does not reverse arthritis
Z
Benefit is not guaranteed
Z
Knee replacement may still be required in future

Risks and considerations

Potential risks include:
Z

Pain or swelling after injection

Z
Infection (rare)
Z
Bruising or Bleeding
Z
Stiffness
Z

Lack of symptom improvement

As Arthrosamid® is a permanent implant within the joint, long-term outcomes are still being evaluated in ongoing studies.

It may not be suitable in cases of infection, inflammatory arthritis, or certain medical conditions.

Alternatives to Arthrosamid®

Other treatments for knee osteoarthritis include:

Z
Physiotherapy and exercise
Z
Weight management
Z
Pain relief medication
Z
Steroid injections
Z
Hyaluronic acid injections
Z
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)
Z
Knee replacement surgery
See also:
Z
Knee Pain Hub
Z
Knee injections page
Z
Knee replacement page

Arthrosamid® Patient Information Booklet

Frequently asked questions

Is Arthrosamid® a steroid injection?
No — it is a hydrogel implant, not a steroid.
How long does it last?
Some studies suggest benefit may last for years, but responses vary.
Can I still have knee replacement later?
Yes — it does not prevent future surgery.
Is it suitable for severe arthritis?
It is less effective in advanced bone-on-bone arthritis, but can still be an option in selected cases.
Is it painful?
Most patients tolerate the procedure well with local anaesthetic.

Arthrosamid® Consultation

If you are considering Arthrosamid® injections for knee osteoarthritis in Stoke-on-Trent or Staffordshire, a consultation is required to assess suitability and discuss all treatment options.