Why Arthrosamid® Is the Best Alternative to Knee Replacement

Osteoarthritis of the knee is a common and often debilitating condition. It damages the cartilage and surrounding soft tissues in the knee joint, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Although it is more common in adults over 50, osteoarthritis can also affect younger people, especially those with obesity or a history of significant knee injuries.

For many years, total or partial knee replacement has been seen as the main solution when conservative treatments fail. However, major surgery is not suitable or desirable for everyone. People with conditions such as diabetes, those who are anxious about surgery, or those who wish to avoid a long recovery period may prefer a less invasive alternative.

Arthrosamid® is a new-generation injectable treatment that offers a non-surgical option for people living with knee osteoarthritis. In many cases, it can be an excellent alternative to knee replacement, helping to relieve pain and improve mobility without the need for major surgery.

What Is Arthrosamid® and How Does It Work?

Arthrosamid® is an intra-articular polyacrylamide hydrogel injection, which means it is injected directly into the knee joint.

• The hydrogel contains 2.5% cross-linked polyacrylamide and 97.5% non-pyrogenic (ultra-purified) water.
• It is non-biodegradable, so it stays in the joint rather than being quickly broken down by the body.
• Once injected, it integrates into the lining of the joint and increases the thickness and volume of the synovial fluid, the natural lubricant within the knee.

By improving lubrication and cushioning inside the joint, Arthrosamid® helps reduce friction between the cartilages, which in turn can lessen pain and stiffness. Many patients find that, over the following weeks and months, they are able to move their knees more comfortably and with greater confidence.

Clinical studies suggest that Arthrosamid® can provide meaningful pain relief and improved function within the first six months after treatment, with benefits that may last significantly longer. In comparison, it can take 12 to 18 months to fully recover from a total knee replacement.

Why Arthrosamid® Is an Excellent Alternative to Knee Replacement

1. It Offers a Non-surgical Option

Arthrosamid® provides a non-surgical way to manage osteoarthritis and joint pain.

• No general anaesthesia
• No surgical incisions
• No hospital stay or prolonged post-operative recovery

Instead of undergoing an operation where orthopaedic surgeons remove damaged bone and cartilage and insert a prosthetic (artificial) knee joint, Arthrosamid® is given as an injection in a clinical setting.

For many people, particularly those who wish to avoid the risks and stress of surgery, this non-surgical approach can be a major advantage.

2. It Reduces Treatment-related Risks

While any medical procedure carries some risk, Arthrosamid® generally has a lower risk profile than knee replacement surgery.

• There are no large incisions, so the risks of internal bleeding, wound infection, or damage to surrounding soft tissues are much lower than with surgery.
• Arthrosamid® hydrogel is designed to remain in the joint and is well tolerated in most patients.
• By improving lubrication, it supports smoother joint movement without compromising overall health.

In contrast, knee replacement is a major operation that can carry risks such as infection, blood clots, implant loosening, stiffness, and, in some cases, the need for revision surgery later on.

3. It Helps Restore Knee Function and Mobility

Osteoarthritis does more than cause pain – it also leads to stiffness, inflammation, and restricted movement. Simple actions such as walking, climbing stairs, or standing up from a chair can become difficult.

Arthrosamid® can help to:

• Reduce pain and discomfort
• Decrease stiffness in the knee joint
• Make bending and straightening the knee feel smoother
• Support the return to everyday activities, such as walking, light exercise, work, and hobbies

For many patients, using Arthrosamid® as an alternative to knee replacement allows them to stay active for longer, without undergoing major surgery.

4. It Can Be a More Cost-saving Option

Knee replacement surgery can be expensive. The cost includes:

• Hospital and operating theatre fees
• The artificial knee prosthesis (made from specialised materials and advanced technology)
• Anaesthesia and surgical team costs
• Post-operative rehabilitation and follow-up care

Arthrosamid® injections are often more affordable than total or partial knee replacement. The hydrogel itself is made from a synthetic polymer and purified water, and the procedure is much simpler than an operation. While exact costs vary by clinic and country, Arthrosamid® is generally a more cost-effective option, especially for people who are not yet ready or suitable for major surgery.

5. Minimal Downtime – No Bed Rest Required

After a knee replacement, patients usually need a significant period of recovery and rehabilitation. This often involves:

• Reduced mobility for several weeks
• Time off work or daily activities
• A structured physiotherapy programme over many months

With Arthrosamid®, there is no requirement for strict bed rest. Most patients can:

• Go home soon after the procedure
• Start walking and standing again as soon as they feel comfortable
• Return to normal daily activities relatively quickly, following their clinician’s advice

Although you may be advised to avoid high-impact activities for a short period, the overall interruption to your routine is usually far less than after surgery.

Who Is Arthrosamid® Suitable For?

Arthrosamid® is not right for absolutely everyone, but it can be an excellent option for many people with knee osteoarthritis. Commonly suitable groups include:

People with Mild to Moderate Knee Osteoarthritis

Arthrosamid® is particularly effective for patients with mild to moderate osteoarthritis, where the joint is still reasonably preserved but symptoms are impacting quality of life.

People with more severe osteoarthritis may also benefit, especially when Arthrosamid® is combined with:

• Targeted physiotherapy for arthritis
• Strengthening and mobility exercises
• Weight management and lifestyle changes where appropriate

People with Persistent Knee Pain and Stiffness

If you have ongoing knee pain, stiffness, and irritation inside the joint, particularly when bending or straightening your knee, Arthrosamid® may help.

These symptoms are common in people whose osteoarthritis has developed following:

• Previous sports-related knee injuries
• A history of fractures around the knee
• Long-term wear and tear from work, activity, or joint misalignment

When conservative treatments such as pain tablets, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or corticosteroid injections have not given lasting relief, Arthrosamid® can be a valuable next step.

People with Diabetes or Other Medical Conditions

Because Arthrosamid® is a non-surgical treatment, it can be especially appealing for people with:

• Diabetes
• Cardiovascular disease
• Other medical conditions that increase the risk of major surgery or slow recovery

For these patients, avoiding a large operation and general anaesthesia may significantly reduce health risks. Arthrosamid® allows them to address their knee pain while taking their broader medical situation into account.

Arthrosamid® vs Knee Replacement: Making an Informed Choice

Between total knee replacement, partial knee replacement, and non-surgical treatments, there is no single “one-size-fits-all” answer. However, for many people, non-surgical options such as Arthrosamid® are increasingly becoming a first-line choice, particularly when:

• Pain and stiffness are affecting daily life
• Standard pain relief and injections have not been effective enough
• Surgery feels too risky, too invasive, or too early

Before having Arthrosamid® – or any “new knee injection” – it is essential to consult an orthopaedic specialist or appropriately trained clinician. They will:

• Review your symptoms and examine your knee
• Look at your X-rays, scans, and medical history
• Discuss your lifestyle, expectations, and preferences
• Explain the realistic benefits and limitations of Arthrosamid® in your case

Based on this assessment, your specialist can help you decide whether Arthrosamid® is a suitable alternative to knee replacement for you, or whether another treatment approach would be more appropriate.

Key Takeaway

Arthrosamid® offers a promising, non-surgical alternative to knee replacement for many people living with osteoarthritis. By providing long-lasting lubrication and cushioning inside the joint, it can reduce pain, improve mobility, and support an active lifestyle – all without the need for major surgery or prolonged bed rest. If you are considering your options, speaking with an orthopaedic expert is the safest way to explore whether Arthrosamid® could be the right choice for your knees.