Arthrosamid®
This is a new type of treatment, which is injected into the knee to help treat the pain caused by osteoarthritis, offering a good alternative to other therapies which may have failed. Arthrosamid® has been proven to cushion the joint, reduce pain and decrease stiffness to help improve function of the knee, all in a single injection. These injections are most suitable for those patients where other treatments have failed, and surgery is not preferable or not possible due to other co-morbidities for example. The injection aims to provide long term relief, for up to 3 years, or more for some patients.
What does the treatment do?
Arthrosamid® is given as a single injection, into the knee joint. Unlike surgery, the treatment is minimally invasive and you will receive it is an outpatient. It is injected with a local anaesthetic. The injection is administered with the help of ultrasound guidance, and there will be an assistant present. Arthrosamid® is an intra-articular polyacrylamide hydrogel injection (iPAAG) for the symptomatic treatment of knee osteoarthritis. Once injected into the inner joint cavity, it restores viscosity within the synovial fluid, improving lubrication and cushioning of the joint. Arthrosamid® also integrates into the synovium of the inner joint capsule creating a cushion-like effect
Is it safe?
Arthrosamid® is safe for it’s intended use. Prophylactic antibiotics are given to prevent any infection due to the permanent nature of the scaffold implant. There can sometimes be some mild-moderate pain or swelling for a few weeks after the injection, and this is normal.
What should I expect?
You may have some discomfort as the local anaesthetic wears off. It is possible to feel pain relief from 24 hours after the injection, but it can take 4-12 weeks to feel the full benefit. Clinical data shows that most patients feel an improvement within a few weeks. These injections are aimed at giving long term pain relief, and the average level of pain reduction reported in studies was maintained at the 3 year follow up period.
Arthosamid® ultrasound guided injection- £2,500
If you have any further questions, or wish to book an appointment for an Arthrosamid® treatment, please contact us directly. Joe Hijazi is in the clinic on the second Tuesday of every month.