Introduction
Medial-compartment knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a common and often debilitating joint condition that affects millions of people, especially as they age. In England alone, nearly one in five adults over 45 suffer from this type of OA, which mainly targets the inner part of the knee. This can make everyday activities like walking or climbing stairs painful and can greatly impact overall quality of life.
Although a range of treatments exist, many patients find that these options do not provide the long-lasting relief they’re seeking. For those caught between standard painkillers and more invasive surgery, the treatment gap is significant. Arthrosamid® is an innovative therapy designed to bridge this gap, offering targeted and sustained symptom relief to help patients regain both comfort and mobility.
Current Treatment Challenges and Arthrosamid’s Innovation
Traditional non-surgical options for knee OA—such as anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), steroid injections, and viscosupplements—come with notable limitations. NSAIDs can cause unwanted side effects if used for extended periods, steroid injections often provide only brief relief, and viscosupplements may require several injections with varying effectiveness.
A key challenge is knee instability, which many patients experience even after these treatments. Persistent sensations of looseness or giving way highlight the need for better solutions.
What patients and clinicians alike are looking for is a therapy that offers lasting pain relief and improved movement—without frequent visits or the risks associated with repeated injections. This is where Arthrosamid® stands out. Its unique composition as a non-biodegradable hydrogel means it stays inside the joint to cushion and lubricate after just one injection, giving patients longer-term results without ongoing disruption.
How Arthrosamid® Works
Arthrosamid ® consists of about 97.5% water combined with 2.5% of a special cross-linked polymer known as polyacrylamide. Imagine it as a soft, supportive gel that mimics the natural lubrication of healthy joint fluid.
Once injected, Arthrosamid® becomes integrated with the joint lining (synovium) and helps restore the joint fluid’s viscosity and slipperiness. This enhanced lubrication reduces friction, helping to cushion the joint and minimize the wear and tear on bones and cartilage—ultimately easing pain and stiffness. Its flexible, gel-like network provides support, allowing the knee to move more smoothly and freely.
Muscle stabilization in the knee can help manage OA symptoms, but it also creates extra compressive forces that may further irritate the joint. By providing physical cushioning through the hydrogel , Arthrosamid® aims to relieve pain and instability without relying solely on muscular compensation.
Unlike steroids, which temporarily reduce inflammation, or hyaluronic acid injections that might require multiple treatments, Arthrosamid® offers mechanical support for a more extended period from just one injection.
Evidence of Effectiveness
Multiple clinical studies have demonstrated that Arthrosamid® delivers significant pain relief and improved knee function for people with medial-compartment knee OA. Many patients notice reduced pain as soon as four weeks after their injection, with the benefits lasting up to a year or more.
Researchers have measured these improvements using recognized tools like the WOMAC pain scale, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and Oxford Knee Score. The reductions in pain scores have been statistically significant, confirming clear and consistent effectiveness.
Longer-term research has shown continued symptom improvement for up to 24 months in certain groups—particularly older, non-diabetic individuals with less severe OA and those with both knees affected. However, these results must be interpreted with some caution, as some studies lacked control groups or comprehensive outcome measures.
Additional research suggests that both mechanical support to the joint and neuromuscular stability are important for effective OA management, indicating that Arthrosamid® can complement the body’s natural stabilizing efforts.
Safety and Side Effects
Safety is always a priority with new treatments. For Arthrosamid ®, the majority of side effects are mild and temporary—such as pain or swelling at the injection site—usually resolving quickly without intervention. Serious side effects related to the gel itself have not been reported.
Large studies of polyacrylamide gel for OA have found that while complications do occasionally occur, most are minor. Steps taken to prevent infection—like administering antibiotics before the procedure and using sterile injection techniques—have resulted in very low infection rates. Overall, Arthrosamid ® is considered a safe and well-tolerated option that can be performed conveniently as an outpatient procedure.
Who Should Consider Arthrosamid®?
Arthrosamid® is intended for adults whose medial-compartment knee OA symptoms persist despite conservative treatments and who aren’t ready for surgery.
It isn’t suitable for everyone. Those with active knee infections, recent knee surgery, blood-clotting disorders, certain types of blood-thinning medication, or uncontrolled diabetes should address these health issues before considering Arthrosamid® .
The injection is performed as a single outpatient appointment. With local anaesthetic and ultrasound guidance, doctors can carefully deliver the gel exactly where it’s needed—making the whole process straightforward and minimally disruptive for patients.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Arthrosamid® and Knee OA Treatment
Initial clinical results with Arthrosamid® are promising, yet more robust, long-term studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness—particularly regarding the preservation of joint structure over time.
Future research may investigate whether Arthrosamid® can be paired with emerging regenerative therapies , such as stem cells, to further enhance healing and recovery potential.
As advancements continue in medical imaging and biomarkers, doctors will be better equipped to track how Arthrosamid® works inside the knee and personalize treatment plans for each patient.
Conclusion
Arthrosamid® is an exciting advancement for people with medial-compartment knee osteoarthritis , providing targeted and long-lasting pain relief as well as improved joint cushioning —all with the simplicity of a single injection. By filling the gap between standard medications and surgery, it offers real hope for improved quality of life.
As both clinicians and patients become more familiar with this innovative therapy, open discussions can ensure that those who may benefit most are given the opportunity to consider Arthrosamid® as part of their care.
Should you require sources or further details, we can provide them upon request.
(All information presented reflects current clinical research and expert consensus on Arthrosamid® and knee osteoarthritis care.)
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References
Gao, H. C. K., Akhtar, M., Creedon, C., Nar, Ö. O., & Lee, P. Y. (2025). THE IMPACT OF PATIENT FACTORS ON THE MINIMAL CLINICALLY IMPORTANT DIFFERENCE OF ARTHROSAMID POLYACRYLAMIDE HYDROGEL INJECTION FOR KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS: A COHORT STUDY. Journal of Orthopaedic Research and Clinical Applications. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joca.2025.02.648
Lewek, M. D., Ramsey, D. K., Snyder‐Mackler, L., & Rudolph, K. S. (2005). Knee stabilization in patients with medial compartment knee osteoarthritis. Arthritis & Rheumatism, 52(9), 2845-2853. https://doi.org/10.1002/art.21237
Frequently Asked Questions
Arthrosamid® is an innovative hydrogel injection that offers targeted and sustained pain relief after just one procedure. AMSK Clinic brings extensive expertise and advanced technology to maximise patient comfort and knee function, making it a leading provider of this therapy.
AMSK Clinic uses Arthrosamid® to provide mechanical support within the joint, helping to cushion and lubricate the knee. This approach directly addresses instability and discomfort, with experienced clinicians ensuring precise delivery and patient-centred care throughout the treatment process.
Arthrosamid® has a strong safety record, with mostly mild and temporary side effects reported. AMSK Clinic follows strict protocols, including antibiotic use and sterile techniques, to prevent complications and deliver safe, high-quality care in an outpatient setting.
Adults who experience persistent medial knee pain despite conservative care, but are not ready for surgery, may benefit from Arthrosamid® at AMSK Clinic. The clinic offers thorough patient assessment to ensure suitability and optimal outcomes.
AMSK Clinic stands out for its dedicated team, state-of-the-art facilities, and commitment to evidence-based treatments. Their expertise with Arthrosamid® helps patients achieve improved mobility and pain relief, filling the gap between standard medications and surgery.