Arthosamid Injections

What is an Arthrosamid Injection?

Arthrosamid is an innovative injectable hydrogel treatment specifically designed for knee osteoarthritis. This non-steroid, non-degradable hydrogel acts as a cushioning supplement to the knee's natural soft tissue, providing long-lasting pain relief and improved mobility.

This treatment benefits patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis who haven't responded adequately to conservative treatments such as physiotherapy and pain medication. It's particularly suitable for those seeking a long-term solution without regular repeat treatments or those who want to delay or avoid knee replacement surgery.

How Arthrosamid Injections Work

Arthrosamid works by integrating with the soft tissue of the inner knee joint lining (synovial membrane). The hydrogel creates a cushioning effect that helps reduce pain and improve joint mobility. Unlike traditional treatments such as steroids or hyaluronic acid, Arthrosamid is designed to remain in the joint permanently, providing ongoing symptom relief.

The non-biodegradable hydrogel consists of 2.5% cross-linked polyacrylamide and 97.5% water, creating a substance similar to the body's own tissue in elasticity and consistency. This compatibility allows it to work in harmony with the joint's natural movement.

What to Expect When Receiving Arthrosamid Injections

Before Your Treatment: Before your Arthrosamid injection, you'll have a comprehensive consultation to assess your suitability for the treatment. Your specialist will review your medical history, previous treatments, and recent knee imaging. They'll explain the procedure in detail and discuss any medications you may need to temporarily stop, such as blood thinners.

During Your Treatment: During the procedure, which takes approximately 10-15 minutes, you'll be positioned comfortably on an examination table. Your specialist will clean the injection site thoroughly and may use local anaesthetic to ensure your comfort. Using precise injection technique, they will deliver a single 6ml injection of Arthrosamid into your knee joint. You may feel some pressure, but the procedure is generally well-tolerated.

After Your Treatment: After your injection, you'll remain in the clinic for a short monitoring period of about 30 minutes. You can walk immediately after the procedure, though we recommend taking it easy for the rest of the day. You might experience some mild discomfort or swelling in the knee, which typically resolves within a few days. Unlike steroid injections, you won't need repeated treatments as Arthrosamid is designed to provide long-term relief.

Risks and Complications of Arthrosamid Injections

While Arthrosamid has a strong safety profile, potential risks include:

• Temporary knee pain or swelling after injection
• Minor bruising at the injection site
• Infection (very rare)
• Allergic reaction (extremely rare)
• Treatment failure (may not be effective for all patients)

Your specialist will discuss these risks in detail and explain how they apply to your specific case.

How to Recover Following Arthrosamid Injections

The recovery process following an Arthrosamid injection is relatively straightforward:

First 24-48 hours:

• Avoid strenuous activities and high-impact exercise
• Use ice packs if needed to reduce any swelling
• Keep the injection site clean and dry
• Take prescribed pain relief if required

First week:

• Gradually return to normal activities
• Follow any prescribed gentle exercise programme
• Avoid high-impact activities
• Attend any recommended follow-up appointments

Long-term:

• Return to normal activities as comfort allows
• Maintain healthy joint habits
• Continue with recommended exercise programmes
• Monitor your progress and report any concerns

References

NHS: Osteoarthritis Treatment

Institute of Sport Exercise and Health: Arthrosamid‍