Introduction

Knee osteoarthritis is a common condition that can cause pain and limit mobility. Among the treatment options gaining attention in the UK are Arthrosamid injections. These injections use a polyacrylamide hydrogel to support and cushion the knee joint, offering relief to many patients.

With growing interest in this innovative therapy, it’s important to look beyond just the clinical benefits and understand the financial and practical aspects of receiving Arthrosamid treatment. This guide breaks down the costs involved, compares the private and NHS routes, and provides useful tips for planning your treatment.

What Affects the Cost of Arthrosamid Injections?

The price of Arthrosamid treatment isn’t just about the injection itself. Several factors contribute to the overall cost:

• Initial Consultation: You’ll meet a specialist who assesses whether Arthrosamid is suitable for your knee condition. This can vary in price but generally costs between £100 and £250.
• Diagnostic Imaging: Many clinics recommend scans, such as MRIs or X-rays, to get a detailed picture of your joint. These typically add £200 to £500 to the bill.
• Procedure Fee: This covers the actual injection. Private clinics usually charge between £1,500 and £2,500 for this.
• Follow-up Appointments: Monitoring your progress after the injection often requires several visits, costing around £50 to £150 each time.

Because clinics bundle these costs differently, it’s wise to ask for a full breakdown so you know exactly what you are paying for.

Private Arthrosamid Treatment: What You Need to Know About Costs

If you’re considering paying privately for Arthrosamid, prices usually start around £1,500 but can go up to £2,500 for a single injection. Bear in mind that this price sometimes only covers the injection itself.

Additional costs such as initial consultations, diagnostic scans, and follow-ups may be charged separately. Also, if you require repeat injections, these are typically not included in your initial fee.

Some private health insurance policies might cover part of the treatment costs, but coverage is not guaranteed and varies a lot. Checking your policy details beforehand can prevent unexpected expenses.

To stay on top of costs, here’s what you should do before committing:

• Request detailed quotes from clinics, clarifying what exactly is included.
• Ask if scans, aftercare, or repeat injections come at extra cost.
• Confirm whether your insurance can cover any part of the treatment.
• Make sure to choose a clinician with solid experience in Arthrosamid injections.

On the bright side, studies show that Arthrosamid injections are very safe. One review states: “Injection of PAAG hydrogel intraarticularly into the knee has been shown to be safe with no long-lasting adverse events reported.”

Arthrosamid via the NHS: Availability and Waiting Times

Currently, Arthrosamid treatment is not routinely available across the NHS. Access is usually limited to specific pilot schemes or certain regions, often with strict clinical eligibility criteria. This means that even if you qualify, you might face long waiting times — sometimes several months or more.

Nevertheless, where NHS treatment is available, it is provided without direct charge, aside from standard NHS fees like prescription costs.

Research highlights that Arthrosamid offers lasting benefits: “Statistically significant data was identified in two studies at both 52 weeks and 13 months. Indicating the efficacy of PAAG hydrogel at one year post injection.”

If you are thinking about the NHS route, it’s important to understand these potential restrictions and waiting times before deciding.

Making the Right Choice: Private or NHS Arthrosamid?

Choosing between private and NHS Arthrosamid treatment depends on various factors:

• Cost: Private treatment means paying £1,500 to £2,500 per injection plus other fees. NHS treatment is free at the point of use but may not be widely accessible.
• Waiting Time: Private clinics usually offer faster appointments — often within weeks. NHS waits can stretch to months.
• Access: Private care is generally open to anyone who can pay. NHS access requires meeting clinical criteria and varies by location.
• Insurance: Private insurance may cover part of the private treatment but not NHS procedures.

Before you decide, it’s helpful to:

• Compare quotes and service inclusions from different private clinics.
• Clarify possible additional costs.
• Check your insurance coverage and reimbursement options.
• Think about how urgently you need treatment and your budget.

Clinical research provides encouraging news. One study found: “iPAAG offers comparable short-term efficacy and modest advantage at 6 months. However, long-term superiority is limited. It may be a complementary option in individualized osteoarthritis management.” Also, “iPAAG showed the highest patient acceptable symptom state rates (72%, 54%, and 42% at 3, 6, and 12 months).”

And there’s growing evidence of long-lasting benefits: “Further continuation of one of these studies provided statistically significant results at 2 years.”

Balancing costs, wait times, clinical needs, and personal preferences will help you decide the best route for your treatment.

Conclusion

Arthrosamid injections are an exciting development in knee osteoarthritis care, offering a safe and effective option for many patients. If you opt for private treatment, be prepared for a significant financial commitment, while the NHS may offer treatment free of charge but with limited availability and longer waiting times.

Firm evidence supports the safety and efficacy of Arthrosamid. As one review puts it: “From the literature this PAAG hydrogel seems to be an efficacious and safe treatment option for knee OA and provides positive results for at least 2 years.” Meanwhile, comparative trials show that Arthrosamid can be especially beneficial for certain patients (younger patients, those with normal BMI, or with moderate osteoarthritis).

Before starting treatment, gather as much information as possible, budget realistically, and consult your healthcare provider. This approach will empower you to make the best decision for your health and financial situation.

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. (2023). Polyacrylamide hydrogel versus hyaluronic acid in knee osteoarthritis: a subgroup analysis of a randomized study. Orthopaedic Proceedings, 105-B(SUPP_13), 81. https://doi.org/10.1302/1358-992x.2023.13.081
• Aykaç, B., Dinç, M., Nar, Ö. O., Karasu, R., & Bayrak, H. Ç. (2025). Comparative efficacy of polyacrylamide hydrogel versus hyaluronic acid and corticosteroids in knee osteoarthritis: A retrospective cohort study. Medicine, 104(38), e44655. https://doi.org/10.1097/md.0000000000044655