Many people continue to experience knee pain and stiffness long after undergoing meniscus surgery , a challenge known as post- meniscectomy syndrome. When the meniscus—the knee’s natural shock absorber—is removed or damaged, the joint faces extra stress. This often accelerates the onset of osteoarthritis (OA). Unfortunately, standard treatments like draining joint fluid, repeated lubricating injections, or even additional surgeries usually offer only temporary or modest relief. This reality leaves doctors and patients searching for new, less invasive solutions that provide better, longer-lasting results. Arthrosamid® is a promising innovation in this space: a single-injection gel designed to cushion and stabilize the knee joint , offering targeted relief for those suffering from meniscus-related OA.
How Does Arthrosamid® Work in the Knee?
Arthrosamid® consists mostly of water (about 97.5%) and a special synthetic gel called cross-linked polyacrylamide (2.5%). When injected directly into the knee, this gel behaves much like the natural fluid that lubricates and cushions joint surfaces.
What sets Arthrosamid® apart is how it integrates into the knee. Instead of simply mixing with the joint fluid, it becomes part of the joint’s inner lining (the synovial membrane). This creates a soft, cushion-like barrier that helps minimize the painful bone-on-bone contact common in knees lacking their meniscus. Patients often find their knees move more smoothly and with less friction—and all this is typically achieved with just one minimally invasive injection .
Does Arthrosamid® Really Help with Post-Meniscectomy Osteoarthritis?
Research strongly supports Arthrosamid® ’s ability to reduce pain and improve function in people with OA following meniscus surgery . In clinical trials comparing Arthrosamid® to standard hyaluronic acid injections , both groups experienced pain relief at six months. However, at the one-year mark, Arthrosamid® appeared to provide even greater improvements.
Certain people seem to benefit the most—particularly those under age 70, within a healthy weight range, and with moderate joint damage on X-rays (classified as Kellgren–Lawrence grades 2–3). Observational studies show that pain relief and functional gains from Arthrosamid® can last up to two years or more. This indicates that Arthrosamid® has the potential for long-lasting, meaningful relief for those dealing with persistent post- meniscectomy knee pain.
Who Is Most Likely to Benefit from Arthrosamid®?
Not everyone responds to Arthrosamid ® the same way. Research indicates that the best results are often seen in younger patients (under 70), those with a normal body mass index (BMI), and individuals with moderate OA. This makes the process of patient selection especially important.
Doctors will typically review factors such as the patient’s age, body weight, diabetes status, and the extent of joint damage visible on scans or X-rays. A thorough assessment is crucial, including a review of any previous meniscus surgery and current knee imaging. Proper diagnosis helps ensure that the people most likely to benefit are those actually receiving the treatment, increasing the chances of significant pain reduction and better knee function.
Is Arthrosamid® Safe to Use?
Safety is always a primary concern with new treatments, and studies on Arthrosamid® have so far shown it to be well-tolerated. The most common side effects are mild—usually minor pain or swelling at the injection site, which typically resolve quickly.
Large clinical studies have not found any serious complications linked to Arthrosamid® , even after several years of follow-up. Because the gel is stable and does not break down within the joint, it doesn’t trigger long-term inflammation or immune reactions. Still, as with any medical procedure, it’s essential to discuss potential risks and benefits with your doctor to make an informed choice.
Where Does Arthrosamid® Fit in the Range of Treatments?
When compared to injectable treatments like hyaluronic acid or steroid shots, Arthrosamid® stands out for its lasting effect, usually with just a single injection—reducing the need for frequent repeat treatments. This makes it a convenient option for many patients.
Other options for those with meniscus-deficient knees tend to be more invasive. Surgeries such as meniscus scaffolds, donor tissue transplantation, corrective bone surgery (osteotomy), or total joint replacement may be considered, but these involve greater risks and longer recovery times. Arthrosamid® offers a less invasive alternative that can help relieve pain and restore movement, potentially postponing or even avoiding the need for surgery.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Arthrosamid® in Post-Meniscectomy Care
Arthrosamid® represents a breakthrough for managing post- meniscectomy osteoarthritis . By restoring cushioning and lubrication to the joint, it can significantly ease pain and support smoother knee movement. For patients under 70, with moderate joint changes and healthy body weight, Arthrosamid® offers particularly strong benefits—reinforcing the importance of personalized care.
Ongoing research will help clarify the ideal timing for Arthrosamid® after surgery, whether booster injections add value, and its long-term potential to protect the joint from further damage.
For now, Arthrosamid® is a valuable addition to the treatment toolkit for post- meniscectomy knee pain, offering a minimally invasive solution that can help patients regain mobility and enjoy life with less discomfort.
References
1. Bliddal H, et al. Polyacrylamide Hydrogel Injection for Knee Osteoarthritis: A 6 Months Prospective Study. J Orthop Res Ther. 2021;6:1188.
2. Bliddal H, et al. One-year performance of polyacrylamide hydrogel vs. hyaluronic acid: A randomised controlled study. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2022;30(S1):S371.
3. Christensen L, et al. Synovial incorporation of polyacrylamide hydrogel after injection into osteoarthritic joints. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2016;24(11):1999-2002.
4. Overgaard A, et al. Safety of intra-articular polyacrylamide hydrogel for knee OA symptoms: A retrospective case series. Clin Orthop Adv Res. 2019; (Vol 30, Issue 1):S370–S371.
5. Drobnič, M., et al. (2019). Treatment options for the symptomatic post-meniscectomy knee. Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy, 27(6), 1817-1824. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-019-05424-3
6. Bliddal H, et al. A Prospective Study of Polyacrylamide Hydrogel Injection for Knee Osteoarthritis: Results From 3 Years After Treatment. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2023;31(5):682-683.
7. Maulana RK, et al. Systematic Review of the Novel Compound Arthrosamid Polyacrylamide (PAAG) Hydrogel for Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis. Musculoskeletal Review. 2022.
8. Public Health England. Birmingham OA Report. Available at: https://www.versusarthritis.org/media/13374/birmingham-oa-1.pdf
9. Gao, H.C.K., et al. (2025). THE IMPACT OF PATIENT FACTORS ON THE MINIMAL CLINICALLY IMPORTANT DIFFERENCE OF ARTHROSAMID POLYACRYLAMIDE HYDROGEL INJECTION FOR KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS: A COHORT STUDY. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage, . https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joca.2025.02.648
Frequently Asked Questions
Arthrosamid® at AMSK Clinic is a single-injection gel integrating with the joint lining. This cushions and lubricates the knee, minimising painful bone-on-bone contact and often improving mobility with less discomfort, particularly for patients challenged by post-meniscectomy pain.
Arthrosamid® offered at AMSK Clinic typically delivers pain relief and improved joint function with just one minimally invasive injection, reducing the need for frequent repeat treatments, and offering longer-lasting effects than traditional joint injection therapies.
People under 70, of healthy weight, and with moderate knee osteoarthritis (Kellgren–Lawrence grades 2–3) tend to experience the best results from Arthrosamid® at AMSK Clinic, thanks to careful patient selection and personalised treatment approaches.
Clinical experience at AMSK Clinic shows Arthrosamid® is usually well-tolerated. Side effects are mostly mild, such as temporary pain or swelling at the injection site, and no major complications have emerged in studies or patient follow-up.
AMSK Clinic provides a less invasive alternative to major surgery. Arthrosamid® offers long-acting pain relief, helping restore movement after meniscus loss, supporting people to regain mobility and potentially postponing or avoiding the need for further surgical procedures.
