Introduction

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a widespread joint condition that can severely limit mobility and quality of life. It develops gradually as the cartilage cushioning the bones in the knee wears away, causing pain, stiffness and inflammation. While surgery, such as knee replacement, is often recommended for advanced cases, many people seek non-surgical options to manage their symptoms and delay invasive treatment. Arthrosamid is an innovative injectable hydrogel that has recently emerged as a promising solution for longer-lasting relief. In this article, we’ll explore the science behind Arthrosamid, how it works, and what patients can realistically expect.

What Is Knee Osteoarthritis and How Does It Cause Pain?

Knee osteoarthritis happens when the smooth, slippery cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones within the knee joint begins to wear away. Think of cartilage as a shock absorber that helps bones glide smoothly over one another. As it degrades, the bones start to rub directly against each other, which causes pain, swelling and stiffness. This gradual damage affects how the joint moves and can make everyday tasks like walking or climbing stairs difficult. Typical symptoms include aching pain that worsens during activity, stiffness after resting and swelling around the knee. As these symptoms progress, they can severely affect day-to-day life. Understanding the role of cartilage loss helps explain how treatments such as Arthrosamid aim to ease discomfort and improve joint function.

Arthrosamid Explained: What Is It and How Is It Administered?

Arthrosamid is a clear, biocompatible gel made from polyacrylamide that is injected directly into the knee joint. Its gel-like texture fills the joint space and acts as an artificial cushion, replacing some of the cushioning lost due to cartilage wear. Unlike some other treatments, Arthrosamid is designed to stay in place and is not absorbed by the body, meaning its effects are long-lasting. The injection is a simple, minimally invasive outpatient procedure. A trained specialist uses ultrasound guidance to place the gel precisely in the joint, usually with a local anaesthetic for patient comfort. The treatment is quick, and most people can return to their regular activities soon afterwards, as advised by their healthcare provider.

How Does Arthrosamid Work? The Injection Mechanism and Integration Within the Joint

Once injected, Arthrosamid integrates with the synovial tissues—the lining inside the knee joint. The gel acts like a durable scaffold that cushions and lubricates the joint, reducing the friction caused when bones rub against one another. This physical support helps relieve pain and improve movement. Unlike other injectable treatments that break down over time, Arthrosamid remains permanently in the joint, offering sustained cushioning. This protection helps shield the remaining cartilage from further damage caused by bone-on-bone contact. However, it’s important to understand that Arthrosamid does not regenerate cartilage; its main benefit lies in reducing pain through cushioning and improved joint mechanics.

Comparing Arthrosamid to Traditional Knee Injections

Common knee injections include hyaluronic acid and corticosteroids. Hyaluronic acid acts as a lubricant but is gradually absorbed over months, requiring repeat treatments. Corticosteroids reduce inflammation and pain in the short term but may lose effect over time and can harm joint tissues if used frequently. Arthrosamid differs by remaining in the joint to provide cushioning for a much longer period—often one to three years or more. One systematic review found “statistically significant data… at both 52 weeks and 13 months,” showing sustained effectiveness. This long-lasting mechanical support makes Arthrosamid a promising alternative for those wanting durable relief without surgery or frequent injections.

Clinical Evidence and Expert Insights: Efficacy and Safety

Clinical research supports the benefits of Arthrosamid. A 2022 review reported “injection of PAAG hydrogel intraarticularly into the knee has been shown to be safe with no long-lasting adverse events.” An open-label study of 49 patients recorded “a significant reduction in WOMAC pain score from baseline to 52 weeks (−17.7 points; p < 0.0001).” Similar improvements were also seen in stiffness and physical function, with “62.2% of patients as OMERACT-OARSI responders” after one year. Longer-term data confirm the treatment’s durability: a three-year follow-up found that “single injections of 6 ml intra-articular iPAAG… continue to provide clinically relevant and statistically significant effectiveness” with no treatment-related safety concerns. Experts recommend Arthrosamid for patients looking for a safe, effective non-surgical option to manage moderate-to-severe knee OA.

Addressing Key Patient Questions

Patients often wonder if Arthrosamid can regrow lost cartilage. The answer is no. Its pain relief comes from cushioning and reducing joint friction, not from regenerating cartilage. This distinction is key to setting realistic expectations. The treatment tends to be most effective for individuals who still have some cartilage remaining and want to manage symptoms for the long term without surgery. Because Arthrosamid stays in the joint, it provides sustained cushioning unlike other injectables that get absorbed over time.

Long-Term Expectations: What Can Patients Anticipate?

After Arthrosamid injection, many patients experience significant pain relief and improved knee function lasting from one up to three years. One study’s extension showed “clinically relevant and statistically significant effectiveness at 3 years.” Some patients might benefit from repeat injections, but optimal timings are still under research. Ongoing studies will help clarify long-term benefits further and explore combining Arthrosamid with other treatments. As research progresses, it’s likely to become an important part of personalised care for knee osteoarthritis.

Conclusion

Arthrosamid offers a scientifically backed, minimally invasive option for longer-lasting relief from knee osteoarthritis pain without surgery. By restoring cushioning and protecting joint tissues, it can help many people move more comfortably and delay the need for more invasive treatments. Patients interested in Arthrosamid should discuss it with their healthcare provider to find the best treatment plan for their needs.

Suggested illustration: A simple diagram showing a healthy knee joint versus an osteoarthritic joint before and after Arthrosamid injection, highlighting how the hydrogel cushions and supports the joint.

References

• 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
• Bliddal, H., Beier, J., Hartkopp, A., Conaghan, P. G., & Henriksen, M. (2024). Effectiveness and safety of polyacrylamide hydrogel injection for knee osteoarthritis: results from a 12-month follow-up of an open-label study. Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research, 19(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13018-024-04756-2
• Bliddal, H., Beier, J., Hartkopp, A., Conaghan, P. G., & Henriksen, M. (2023). Polyacrylamide hydrogel for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis: 3 year follow-up results of a prospective clinical study. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases. https://doi.org/10.1136/annrheumdis-2023-eular.6038