Knee osteoarthritis is a common condition that causes persistent pain and restricts movement, affecting millions of people worldwide. For those seeking relief, Arthrosamid has recently entered the scene as a promising new injectable treatment. This article aims to help you understand whether Arthrosamid might be suitable for you by exploring who qualifies, what results to expect, alternative treatments available, and useful tools to guide your decision. Our goal is to provide clear, reliable information so you can feel confident discussing options with your healthcare provider.

What Is Arthrosamid and How Does It Work?

Arthrosamid is a gel-like substance, known as a polyacrylamide hydrogel, which is injected directly into the knee joint. Unlike steroids or hyaluronic acid injections, Arthrosamid works by attaching to the lining of the joint (called the synovial membrane) and acting as a supportive scaffold. This not only soothes the joint but can also provide longer-lasting relief by cushioning and stabilising the painful knee.

Hydrogels like Arthrosamid are not entirely new to medicine. They have been used clinically since the late 1980s for a variety of purposes, from drug delivery to tissue repair. This long history supports the credibility of Arthrosamid’s technology. A recent systematic review stated that this treatment “adheres to and bulks up the synovial membrane and acts as a scaffold to treat the synovium.” The same review also found that positive effects lasted up to two years and that Arthrosamid has an excellent safety record with no lasting side effects reported.

Arthrosamid is mainly intended for those with moderate knee osteoarthritis — people who have tried other treatments without sufficient relief but who are not yet ready for surgery.

Who Makes the Best Candidates for Arthrosamid?

Not everyone with knee osteoarthritis will benefit equally from Arthrosamid. Ideal candidates typically have moderate damage to their knee joint, often assessed by doctors using a scale called the Kellgren-Lawrence grading system. Those in grades 2 or 3 usually stand to gain the most benefit.

Age and body weight also influence who might respond best. Arthrosamid appears to work best for people under 70 who are at a healthy or near-healthy weight. A recent clinical study confirmed this by showing “statistical superiority… in participants with normal BMI, participants under 70 years old, or those with KL score 2–3.” This means younger, fitter adults with moderate arthritis often experience the greatest improvements.

On the other hand, Arthrosamid is generally not recommended for people with very severe arthritis (grade 4), significant knee deformities, active knee infections, or allergies related to the injection.

How Does Arthrosamid Compare to Other Treatments?

Many patients wonder how Arthrosamid compares with common treatments like steroid injections, hyaluronic acid, or even knee replacement surgery.

Steroid injections often provide quick pain relief but usually only last a few weeks or months. Hyaluronic acid injections, which work by lubricating the joint, may last six to twelve months but can wear off sooner. Arthrosamid stands out because it often provides longer-lasting relief — commonly continuing for well over a year — while maintaining a strong safety profile.

In a recent trial comparing Arthrosamid to hyaluronic acid, results showed that “iPAAG approached superiority to HA [hyaluronic acid] across all participants at 52 weeks,” with especially significant benefits for younger adults, those with normal body weight, and moderate arthritis severity.

However, Arthrosamid’s benefits appear less marked in cases of very advanced osteoarthritis. For those with severe joint damage, knee replacement surgery generally remains the most effective option.

More broadly, injectable hydrogels like Arthrosamid represent a growing area of medical innovation. Recent advances in polymer chemistry and hydrogel production have led to a surge in new products entering clinical practice, extending beyond injections to implants and topical treatments.

Helpful Tools to Decide if Arthrosamid Is Right for You

To help decide whether Arthrosamid might be suitable, here’s a simple checklist of factors to consider:

• Do you have moderate knee osteoarthritis (Kellgren-Lawrence grade 2 or 3)?
• Are you under 70 years old and close to a healthy weight?
• Does your knee pain persist and limit daily activities despite other treatments?
• Do you have no active infections or allergies related to injection materials?
• Is your knee structure relatively intact without severe deformities?

For example, a 65-year-old with moderate knee pain, otherwise healthy and active, would likely be a good candidate. Meanwhile, someone who is older with advanced joint damage may need to explore other options, such as surgery.

UK orthopaedic experts strongly encourage patients to use checklists like this as guides, not rigid rules. The most important step is to have a thorough, frank conversation with your doctor to weigh treatment goals, lifestyle, and personal preferences.

In Summary

Arthrosamid injections offer a promising, minimally invasive option for many people with moderate knee osteoarthritis, particularly younger adults who wish to delay or avoid surgery. The treatment’s benefits can last up to two years and it generally has a strong safety record.

If you have severe knee damage or other complicating factors, other treatments—such as knee replacement—may be more appropriate.

Whatever your situation, making the best choice means combining professional advice with clear, individualised information. Sharing a decision checklist with your healthcare provider can make your next consultation more productive and help you play an active role in managing your knee health.

References

Bliddal, H., Beier, J., Hartkopp, A., Conaghan, P. G., & Henriksen, M. (2023). Polyacrylamide hydrogel versus hyaluronic acid in knee osteoarthritis: A subgroup analysis of a randomized study. Orthopaedic Proceedings, 105-B(SUPP_13), 81-81. https://doi.org/10.1302/1358-992x.2023.13.081

Cole, A., Maulana, R. K., Whitehead, J. P., & Lee, P. Y. F. (2022). A systematic review of the novel compound Arthrosamid polyacrylamide (PAAG) hydrogel for treatment of knee osteoarthritis. Medical Research Archives, 10(8). https://doi.org/10.18103/mra.v10i8.2950

Clegg, J. R., Adebowale, K., Zhao, Z., & Mitragotri, S. (2024). Hydrogels in the clinic: An update. Bioengineering & Translational Medicine, 9(6). https://doi.org/10.1002/btm2.10680