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ArthrosamiD
London
Knee Osteoarthritis Treatment Without Surgery
What Is Arthrosamid?
Arthrosamid is an injectable hydrogel implant designed to provide long-lasting pain relief for knee osteoarthritis without surgery. Unlike temporary treatments such as steroid injections or hyaluronic acid, Arthrosamid integrates into the synovial lining of the knee joint, providing a cushioning effect that may reduce pain for years following a single treatment.
At Reborne Longevity in London, Arthrosamid is offered as an advanced non-surgical option for patients with knee osteoarthritis who have not found adequate relief from conservative treatments but wish to avoid or delay knee replacement surgery.
How Does Arthrosamid Work for Knee Osteoarthritis?
Arthrosamid is composed of 2.5% cross-linked polyacrylamide and 97.5% water, forming a non-biodegradable hydrogel. When injected into the knee joint, the hydrogel integrates into the synovial membrane (the inner lining of the joint capsule), where it acts as a cushion and may help restore the joint's natural shock-absorbing properties.
Unlike hyaluronic acid injections that are absorbed and cleared from the joint within months, Arthrosamid remains in place and has been shown in clinical studies to maintain pain relief for up to five years following a single injection. The hydrogel does not replace cartilage or modify the underlying disease process, but provides symptomatic relief by improving the mechanical environment within the joint.
What Happens During Arthrosamid Treatment?
Arthrosamid is administered via a simple, single-injection procedure performed under local anaesthesia. The treatment takes approximately 15-30 minutes and is performed as an outpatient procedure - you can go home the same day.
Before treatment: Local anaesthetic is applied to numb the area around your knee. Prophylactic antibiotics may be given to minimise infection risk.
During treatment: The knee is cleaned and prepared. Arthrosamid is injected directly into the synovial cavity of the knee joint, sometimes guided by ultrasound imaging for precision.
After treatment: The needle is removed and a plaster applied. You can typically return to normal activities within a few days, though strenuous exercise should be avoided initially.
What Results Can I Expect from Arthrosamid?
Clinical studies have demonstrated that Arthrosamid provides significant, long-lasting reduction in knee osteoarthritis pain. Research shows sustained improvement in pain scores and quality of life measures at 2, 3, and even 5 years following a single treatment.
Individual results vary depending on the severity of osteoarthritis, patient factors, and activity levels. Arthrosamid is most effective for mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis. It does not reverse cartilage damage or halt disease progression, but may provide meaningful symptom relief that allows patients to maintain mobility and delay or avoid knee replacement surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions About Arthrosamid
How long does Arthrosamid last?
Clinical studies have demonstrated that Arthrosamid maintains significant pain relief for up to 5 years following a single injection. This is substantially longer than hyaluronic acid injections, which typically provide relief for 6 months or less. The hydrogel integrates into the joint lining rather than being absorbed, which accounts for its longevity.
How does Arthrosamid compare to hyaluronic acid injections?
Hyaluronic acid (HA) injections are absorbed by the body and typically require repeat treatments every 6-12 months, with diminishing effectiveness over time. Arthrosamid is a non-biodegradable hydrogel that remains in place, with studies showing sustained benefit at 5 years from a single treatment. While HA is a temporary viscosupplement, Arthrosamid acts as a permanent cushioning implant.
How does Arthrosamid compare to steroid injections?
Corticosteroid injections provide short-term anti-inflammatory relief but typically last only weeks to months and may accelerate cartilage breakdown with repeated use. Arthrosamid works through a different mechanism (mechanical cushioning rather than anti-inflammatory effect) and provides much longer-lasting relief without the concerns associated with repeated steroid injections.
Is Arthrosamid a replacement for knee surgery?
Arthrosamid is not a replacement for knee replacement surgery in patients with severe, end-stage osteoarthritis. However, it may help patients with mild to moderate OA delay or avoid surgery by providing meaningful symptom relief. For patients who are not candidates for surgery or wish to postpone it, Arthrosamid offers a non-surgical alternative. Having Arthrosamid does not prevent future knee replacement if needed.
What are the side effects of Arthrosamid?
Clinical trials report no serious side effects from Arthrosamid treatment. The most commonly reported effects are temporary joint pain and a sensation of joint swelling, which are typically mild and resolve within days to weeks. The overall safety profile of polyacrylamide hydrogel has been established over 20 years of medical use in various applications.
Can I have Arthrosamid in both knees?
Yes, both knees can be treated with Arthrosamid. Your physician will advise on the appropriate timing between treatments - some patients have both knees treated on the same day, while others prefer to space treatments apart.
Who is suitable for Arthrosamid treatment?
Arthrosamid is approved for symptomatic treatment of knee osteoarthritis. Ideal candidates have mild to moderate OA with pain not adequately controlled by painkillers and lifestyle modifications. Contraindications include active infection at or near the injection site, haemophilia or anticoagulant treatment, knee arthroscopy within the past 6 months, poorly controlled diabetes, and pregnancy or breastfeeding. A consultation will determine your suitability.
How many patients have been treated with Arthrosamid?
More than 20,000 patients have been treated with Arthrosamid worldwide. The technology has been in clinical use for over two decades, with extensive safety and efficacy data supporting its use for knee osteoarthritis.
Where can I get Arthrosamid treatment in London?
Reborne Longevity offers Arthrosamid knee osteoarthritis treatment in central London (Queen Anne Street, W1). Treatment is performed by qualified physicians following consultation to assess suitability.
Clinical Evidence for Arthrosamid
Arthrosamid is supported by more than two decades of research and clinical experience. Key studies have demonstrated sustained pain relief at 2, 3, and 5 years following single-injection treatment, with a favourable safety profile.
Key References:
Bliddal H et al., Arthritis Research & Therapy 2021 - 5-year follow-up of polyacrylamide hydrogel for knee OA.
Henriksen M et al., Osteoarthritis and Cartilage 2022 - Long-term efficacy and safety of Arthrosamid.
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