Arthrosamid Injection

What is Arthrosamid®?

Arthrosamid® is an innovative, non-biodegradable hydrogel injection used to treat knee osteoarthritis. Composed of 2.5% cross-linked polyacrylamide and 97.5% water, it acts as a permanent, biocompatible implant. Once injected, it physically integrates with the knee’s synovial tissue to thicken joint fluid, improve lubrication, and provide long-lasting cushioning.

 

Are Arthrosamid® available in Canada?

Yes. Health Canada officially approved Arthrosamid® in 2024 for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis. It is currently available across North America at specialized sports medicine and orthopedic pain clinics.

Do Arthrosamid® injections work?

Yes. Extensive clinical trials and over 20 years of polyacrylamide research show that Arthrosamid® provides significant, sustained pain relief. By chemically binding to the synovial membrane, it alters the joint environment to reduce friction, lower inflammation, and physically cushion the joint without surgery.

What is the success rate of Arthrosamid®?

• Under 70 years old: Approximately an 80% positive response rate.
• Over 70 years old: Approximately a 60% positive response rate.
• Long-term outcomes: In observational studies, over 56% of patients avoided knee replacement surgery 10 years after receiving the injection.

 

What are the indications for Arthrosamid® injections?

Arthrosamid® is indicated for the symptomatic treatment of adults suffering from moderate to severe knee osteoarthritis. It is ideal for patients who want to avoid or delay joint replacement surgery, or those who have stopped finding relief from traditional short-acting injections.

What are the contraindications for Arthrosamid® injections?

Arthrosamid® should not be administered to patients with:

• Active infections in the knee joint or skin infections at the injection site.
• Known hypersensitivity or allergies to polyacrylamide hydrogels.
• Recent knee surgeries (typically requires clearance from a physician).

How is an Arthrosamid® injection performed?

The procedure is minimally invasive and performed in an outpatient clinic:

1. Preparation: Patients take a prophylactic oral antibiotic 1-2 hours before the procedure to prevent infection.
2. Anesthetic & Aspiration: Local anesthetic is applied to numb the area. Any excess fluid (effusion) is drained from the knee.
3. Injection: A physician uses real-time ultrasound guidance to precisely deliver a single 6 ml dose of the hydrogel directly into the intra-articular space.
4. Recovery: The needle is removed, a bandage is applied, and the patient can usually go home within 15 minutes.

 

Dr. Joseph Menna, MD, FRCSC
Orthopaedic Surgeon

Does Arthrosamid® injection hurt?

The injection itself causes minimal discomfort. Because a local anesthetic is used to numb the tissue beforehand, most patients only feel a mild pressure. Following the procedure, it is common to experience transient soreness, mild stiffness, or swelling for 48–72 hours as the knee adjusts to the new volume.

Arthrosamid® compared to Cortisone, Hyaluronic acid (Durolane), Protein solution

• Cortisone (Steroids): Offers rapid but temporary anti-inflammatory relief lasting only weeks to a few months. Repeated use can actively degrade joint cartilage over time. Arthrosamid® is permanent and does not break down cartilage.
• Hyaluronic Acid (e.g., Durolane): Acts as a temporary biological lubricant that naturally degrades and is absorbed by the body within 6–12 months, requiring repeat visits. Arthrosamid® is structurally stable and does not biodegrade.
• Protein Solutions (e.g., PRP/nSTRIDE): Rely on the body’s own biological healing properties to reduce inflammation, which can yield unpredictable results. Arthrosamid® provides guaranteed, immediate physical cushioning and structural support.

What Improvements Does Arthrosamid® Actually Deliver?

• Pain Reduction: Clinically proven to significantly lower pain signals and exceed the minimum clinically important difference (MCID).
• Increased Elasticity: Increases synovial tissue elasticity by roughly 15%.
• Improved Mobility: Decreases joint stiffness, allowing for smoother gliding and a return to daily activities.
• Disease Modification: Lowers pro-inflammatory mediators inside the joint, altering the environment that drives osteoarthritis pain.

How long does Arthrosamid® take to work?

While some patients feel structural relief immediately, the biological integration process takes time. Noticeable pain reduction typically begins within 2 to 4 weeks, with the maximum clinical benefit building progressively over 3 to 6 months as the gel fully settles into the synovium.

How long does the Arthrosamid® injection last?

Because it is a non-absorbable, non-biodegradable implant, Arthrosamid® is essentially permanent. Clinical studies confirm that the statistically significant pain reduction and functional improvements are maintained for up to 5 years from a single injection, with observational data showing ongoing benefits beyond a decade.

What are the potential side effects of Arthrosamid® injection?

Side effects are generally mild, highly localized, and resolve on their own within a few days:

• Mild swelling or joint effusion
• Warmth around the knee
• Transient stiffness or a feeling of “fullness” in the joint
• Minor injection site irritation

Why choose Push Pounds?

Push Pounds Sports Medicine in Toronto provides an elite standard of care for joint preservation. Choosing Push Pounds ensures:

• Precision Delivery: Injections are performed by specialized sports medicine physicians using advanced, real-time ultrasound guidance for exact intra-articular placement.
• Comprehensive Assessment: You receive a thorough clinical evaluation to confirm you are an ideal candidate, maximizing your chances of a successful outcome.
• Holistic Recovery: As a multidisciplinary clinic, Push Pounds integrates the injection with robust physical performance tracking and rehabilitation support to restore your knee’s complete biomechanical function.