Arthrosamid® Injection For Knee Osteoarthritis In Wantage, Oxfordshire

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis, affecting millions of people worldwide. It occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones wears down over time.

It is more common in older people but can also affect younger people especially if there has been an injury to a joint. Sometimes OA causes the joints to swell, change shape, feel stiff, and become painful and sometimes the joints make creaking or cracking noises.

The symptoms of OA can vary a lot. Sometimes there is no pain at all and sometimes the pain can be severe and moving is difficult. There can be loss of muscle around the joint and this can make them feel weaker.

There are many reasons why people experience pain with OA. It is thought that changes throughout the joint is the main factor.

• Synovial Fluid – This is the fluid in the knee joint. It becomes degraded and less able to perform its protective lubrication and cushioning function.
• Joint Capsule – The tissue within the capsule can become thick and inflamed which triggers pain receptors.
• Cartilage Surfaces – As OA progresses it degrades the cartilage which covers the bone and cushions the joint. On X-ray images, the gap between joint bones (normally separated by cartilage) becomes narrower and all the cartilage can be worn away causing “bone on bone” articulation. Often, at this stage movement without pain becomes difficult.
• Bones – The surfaces of the two bones that form the joint (femur and tibia) start to grow bony spurs called “osteophytes”. These are formed in reaction to the wear and tear caused by the bone-on-bone effect. This can restrict movement and cause pain.

Arthrosamid is an intra–articular polyacrylamide hydrogel injection (IPAAG). It is a non-biodegradable single-dose injection that delivers long-acting treatment to adult patients with knee OA.

A polyacrylamide hydrogel is a cross-linked polymeric material which holds large amounts of water while maintaining its structure. They possess a degree of flexibility very similar to natural tissue due to their large water content.

• Arthrosamid integrates into the synovial tissue of the inner joint capsule and decreases joint stiffness.
• Arthrosamid forms a cushion-like membrane comprising the hydrogel incorporated in a matrix of fine tissue networks covered by a synovial lining.
• Arthrosamid diminishes pain and improves the function of the knee affected by osteoarthritis.
• The non-absorbable, non-biodegradable and non-migratory characteristics of Arthrosamid provide durable cushioning of the inner joint capsule tissue.

Athrosamid is given as a single injection into the knee’s intra-articular cavity. Unlike surgery, the injection is a minimally invasive procedure that you can receive as an outpatient. Before the injection, you will be given a local anaesthetic to numb the area around the injection site and an antibiotic to protect you from infection. The procedure is performed under ultrasound guidance.

Arthrosamid intra-articular polyacrylamide gel (IPAAG) is safe for its intended use for treating knee OA pain symptoms. No serious adverse events linked to Arthrosamid have been reported in studies.

The most commonly reported side effects were injection-related mild to moderate pain and or joint swelling, which were generally transient in nature. It is biocompatible which allows it to integrate with the tissues in your knee.

The overall safety profile of the hydrogel has undergone two decades of research and development with approximately 1,000,000 injections given worldwide.

Arthrosamid is approved for the symptomatic treatment of knee OA so any patient with this condition may be suitable. However, treatment with Arthrosamid may not be suitable for everyone. Your Specialist is the best person to advise you, but situations where you should not use Arthosamid (contraindications) include*:

• If you have an infection at or near the injection site.
• If you have haemophilia.
• If you have had a knee arthroscopy within the past 6 months.

*This is not a full list and your Specialist will guide you.

As Arthrosamid works to cushion the joint, it can reduce your pain, decrease stiffness, and improve movement. The hydrogel itself does not degrade and therefore it provides long-acting relief, improving your quality of life. In clinical trials, patients reported a significant reduction in their pain symptoms by week 4 after their injection and, unlike other injectable treatments, the average level of reduction was maintained at the 3-year follow-up period.

In the under-50 age group, 100% experienced symptom improvement. Among those under 60, 94% saw improvement. For individuals under 70, the rate was 80%, and for those over 70, it was 63%.

Arthrosamid is more effective in patients with mild/ moderate OA

You will see Mr Paul Kirkland our Consultant Podiatrist. He has extensive injection therapy experience and treats the foot, ankle and knee.

As Arthrosamid works to cushion the joint, it can reduce your pain, decrease stiffness, and improve movement. The hydrogel itself does not degrade and therefore it provides long-acting relief, improving your quality of life. In clinical trials, patients reported a significant reduction in their pain symptoms by week 4 after their injection and, unlike other injectable treatments, the average level of reduction was maintained at the 3-year follow-up period.

In the under-50 age group, 100% experienced symptom improvement. Among those under 60, 94% saw improvement. For individuals under 70, the rate was 80%, and for those over 70, it was 63%.

Arthrosamid Injections are specifically designed to alleviate symptoms of knee osteoarthritis, thereby enhancing mobility, reducing pain, and improving overall quality of life. While a diverse range of individuals can benefit from this treatment, certain groups may find Arthrosamid particularly advantageous due to their occupations or lifestyles:

• Farmers
• Builders
• Mechanics
• Postal workers
• Walkers and hikers
• Sports enthusiasts, including runners, cyclists, golfers, tennis players, squash players, rugby players, and footballers

These individuals often engage in activities that place significant strain on their knees, making them more susceptible to osteoarthritis-related discomfort. Arthrosamid Injections offer an effective solution for managing pain and maintaining mobility, allowing them to continue pursuing their passions and livelihoods with greater comfort and ease.