What is Arthrosamid?
Arthrosamid is a newl type of pain-relieving injection. It involves injecting Polyacrylamide Hydrogel (iPAAG) into an osteoarthritic knee joint to improve lubrication, provide cushioning, reduce knee pain and improve joint function.It is considered as an injectable implant and, when injected into the knee joint, it attaches to the synovium and functions as “scaffolding” to improve overall function of the knee.Arthrosamid is a non-biodegradable and non-absorbable hydrogel material that the body won’t absorb, which therefore means that it provides lubrication and cushioning within the knee joint for a prolonged period of time.
How is Arthrosamid administered?
Arthrosamid is administered as a single injection into an arthritic knee joint in an outpatient setting.The hydrogel is injected into the knee joint, under ultrasound guidance for accuracy. You will also be given one single dose of prophylactic antibiotics 1-2 hours before the procedure to minimise any potential risk of infection, as Arthrosamid is effectively an injectable implant into the body.
How many Arthrosamid injections will a patient need?
The Arthrosamid injection is designed to be a single injection therapy carried out in an out-patient clinic setting, under aseptic conditions with no major side effects.
What are the key benefits?
- Non-surgical: Eliminates the need for invasive surgical procedures.
- Long-lasting relief: Provides sustained relief from knee osteoarthritis.
- Quick recovery: Allows patients to return to their normal activities shortly after treatment.
- Minimally invasive: Administered through a single injection under local anaesthesia.
- Patients in the under 70 years group reported close to 80% positive response rate following treatment with Arthrosamid
Who would benefit from Arthrosamid injections?
- Younger patients with knee osteoarthritis/patellofemoral joint arthritis
- Patients that are not responding to steroid/hyaluronic acid injections
- Patients who are looking to delay knee replacements
What are the risks of Arthrosamid injections?
The most common side effect of Arthrosamid injections are:
- Post-injection flare up/discomfort in the injected knee joint
- A full or distended feeling in the injected knee joint
- Risk of no response
Rare side effects can include an allergic reaction or infection. However, the rate of adverse effects is extremely low.