NON-SURGICAL KNEE PAIN RELIEF
Arthrosamid Injections for Knee Osteoarthritis
Arthrosamid is a single-injection, non-surgical treatment designed to reduce pain associated with knee osteoarthritis. The procedure is performed in the clinic using ultrasound guidance, and most patients return home shortly afterward. Results vary, and a medical assessment is required to determine whether the treatment is appropriate for you.
What Is Arthrosamid?
Arthrosamid is a soft, non-biodegradable polyacrylamide hydrogel. It is injected directly into the knee joint, where it integrates with the synovial lining over time. This may improve cushioning within the joint and modify the inflammatory environment associated with osteoarthritis, helping reduce pain and improve function.
Unlike corticosteroid and hyaluronic acid injections, Arthrosamid is not gradually broken down and cleared from the joint. It remains in place as a long-lasting implant. It does not regrow cartilage or cure osteoarthritis.
How Arthrosamid Differs From Other Knee Injections
Corticosteroid Injections
Corticosteroid injections may reduce inflammation and pain relatively quickly, but the benefit is often temporary. The appropriateness and frequency of repeat injections should be considered individually.
Hyaluronic Acid Injections
Hyaluronic acid is intended to improve joint lubrication and may provide symptom relief for several months in some patients. Because it is gradually broken down, repeat treatment may be considered when clinically appropriate.
Arthrosamid
Arthrosamid is a permanent hydrogel implant delivered through one intra-articular injection. Clinical follow-up studies report sustained improvement in some patients for up to five years after treatment. Long-term benefit is not guaranteed, and not every patient responds.
Who May Be a Candidate
Arthrosamid may be considered for adults with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis after clinical assessment and review of appropriate imaging. It may be an option if:
- Knee osteoarthritis is limiting walking, exercise, work, sleep, or daily activities.
- Exercise therapy, weight management, medication, bracing, or previous injections have provided insufficient relief.
- You wish to delay or avoid knee replacement surgery.
- You are not currently a suitable surgical candidate.
- Your physician considers the expected benefits to outweigh the risks in your particular situation.
Age, arthritis severity, alignment, other pain generators, prior surgery, medical conditions, and personal goals can all influence the likelihood of benefit.
What Results Can You Expect
Improvement is usually gradual rather than immediate. Some patients notice change within a few weeks, while others may require several months to judge the full response. Published studies have reported sustained pain and function improvements among responders for up to five years after a single injection.
Individual outcomes vary. Arthrosamid may reduce pain and improve function, but it cannot be expected to eliminate all symptoms or reverse the structural changes of osteoarthritis.
Responder Rates by Age
In a reported group of 107 Arthrosamid-treated patients, response was assessed by change from baseline in WOMAC pain scores. The results were:
Based on change from baseline in WOMAC† pain
Improved
Stayed the same
Declined
These percentages describe this study group and should not be interpreted as a guarantee or as a precise prediction for an individual patient. Age is only one of several factors that may influence treatment response.
Safety and Important Precautions
Because the hydrogel remains in the joint, careful patient selection, sterile technique, accurate intra-articular placement, and infection prevention are important. Temporary soreness, swelling, stiffness, or discomfort may occur after injection. As with any joint injection, less common complications can include infection, bleeding, allergic reaction, or a prolonged inflammatory response.
Please give your physician a complete medical history, including medications, allergies, diabetes control, immune-suppressing conditions or medications, previous knee procedures, implants, recent or planned dental work, and any current infection.
When Arthrosamid May Not Be Appropriate
Treatment is generally avoided or postponed when there is:
- An active infection at the injection site, a fever, or infection elsewhere in the body.
- Recent knee surgery or knee replacement.
- An existing foreign-body implant within the knee joint.
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- A known allergy or hypersensitivity to polyacrylamide hydrogel or another treatment component.
Additional precautions may be required for poorly controlled diabetes, immune suppression, autoimmune disease, anticoagulant use, or recent or planned major dental treatment. This is not a complete list; final eligibility is determined during consultation.
Ultrasound Guided Precision
Every Arthrosamid injection at Peninsula Sports Medicine and Joint Health is performed by a physician using real-time ultrasound guidance. Ultrasound allows the physician to visualize the joint, guide the needle into the intended intra-articular space, and confirm positioning before the hydrogel is administered.
Your Treatment Journey
Important Information
This webpage provides general educational information and does not replace individual medical advice. Treatment recommendations, preparation, contraindications, and follow-up instructions are individualized after physician assessment. Arthrosamid is a registered trademark of its respective owner.
Can You Have Knee Replacement Surgery Later?
Receiving Arthrosamid does not automatically prevent future knee replacement. If surgery is later required, tell the orthopedic surgeon that a polyacrylamide hydrogel implant is present and provide the treatment date and available procedure records.
Cost and Insurance
Please contact Peninsula Sports Medicine and Joint Health for current pricing. The treatment fee generally reflects the Arthrosamid device and the ultrasound-guided injection procedure. Coverage differs between extended health plans, and many policies may not cover the treatment. Patients should confirm eligibility directly with their insurer. Documentation can be provided when appropriate.
Referral and consultation coverage requirements depend on provincial health-plan rules and the circumstances of care. Our clinic can explain the current referral process when you contact us.
Requesting an Assessment
A consultation is the best way to determine whether Arthrosamid fits your diagnosis, health history, previous treatments, and activity goals. Contact Peninsula Sports Medicine and Joint Health or ask your physician or nurse practitioner about a referral.
Canadian patients with a referral
Peninsula Sports Medicine and Joint Health accepts referrals from licensed physicians and nurse practitioners. For eligible British Columbia residents, a medically necessary consultation is generally covered by MSP when referral requirements are met. Patients with health coverage from another Canadian province should contact the clinic so that coverage and referral requirements can be confirmed before booking. Once your referral is received and reviewed, the clinic will contact you regarding the next steps.
Canadian patients without a referral
If you do not have a referral, please contact the clinic to discuss the options available to you. The availability and cost of a consultation without a referral depend on provincial health-plan rules and the circumstances of care. Our team can explain the current process before an appointment is arranged.
International patients
Patients travelling from outside Canada may contact the clinic directly to discuss assessment, required medical records and imaging, treatment eligibility, timing, and private fees. Coverage through a Canadian provincial health plan does not apply.