Ultrasound Guided Arthrosamid Injections

Arthrosamid is an injection therapy designed to alleviate the symptoms associated with osteoarthritis, a condition characterised by the progressive deterioration of joint cartilage. This unique substance offers relief for patients suffering from anything from mild to severe stage (including bone on bone) knee arthritis, where symptoms like pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility are prominent. Its composition and mode of action make it particularly suitable for knee joint applications, where osteoarthritis often manifests with significant impact.

Manufactured from a biocompatible, synthetic hydrogel, Arthrosamid is engineered to mimic the properties of healthy joint fluid, providing lubrication and cushioning within the knee joint. The hydrogel comprises polyacrylamide particles suspended in a saline solution. When injected into the joint space, Arthrosamid replenishes lost synovial fluid, reduces friction between the articulating surfaces of the knee, and cushions the joint against impact forces during movement.

The success of Arthrosamid in relieving joint pain and improving function has been notable. Clinical studies have demonstrated significant reductions in pain scores, increased joint mobility, and improvements in quality of life for individuals treated with Arthrosamid injections. Moreover, its safety profile has been favourable, with few reported adverse events or complications associated with its use.

Administering Arthrosamid involves a specialised technique known as ultrasound-guided injection. This precise method ensures accurate placement of the hydrogel within the knee joint, maximising its effectiveness.

Arthrosamid Procedure

Prior to the procedure, an antibiotic will be arranged to be sent to the patient.  This will be taken 2 hours before the injection as a preventative measure for infection.

On the day of the injection:

• Patient Preparation: The patient is positioned comfortably on an examination table, typically lying flat.  The knee to be injected is exposed and cleaned with an antiseptic solution to minimise the risk of infection.

• Ultrasound Guidance: A high-resolution ultrasound machine is used to visualise the internal structures of the knee joint in real-time. Conductive gel is applied to the skin overlying the joint and then the ultrasound probe is placed in the appropriate location to obtain clear images of the joint space.

• Needle Insertion: Using the ultrasound images as a guide, the optimal entry point is ascertained for the needle into the knee joint. A local anaesthetic may be administered to numb the skin and deeper tissues, ensuring minimal discomfort during the injection.

• Injection of Arthrosamid: With precise guidance from the ultrasound, the needle is inserted into the joint space. Once the needle tip is positioned correctly within the synovial cavity, the Arthrosamid solution is slowly injected, filling the space and distributing evenly within the joint.

• Monitoring and Post-Injection Care:  The patient is advised to avoid strenuous activities for a short period following the procedure and may be advised to take pain medication or anti-inflammatory drugs to manage any discomfort.

What Is Knee Osteoarthritis?

Knee osteoarthritis (arthritis that affects the knee bones/joints) is a long-term condition that worsens over time, causing pain and disability. It is most common in the knee joint, where it wears away the shock-absorbing cartilage and causes the bones to rub together. As a result the joint becomes stiff, swollen and painful.

No one knows exactly what causes knee osteoarthritis. There is no permanent cure and, until now, treatments have focused on managing the symptoms. They include:

• EXERCISE

• WEIGHT LOSS

• PAIN RELIEF MEDICATION

• VISCOSUPPLEMENT INJECTIONS

• BRACES

• PHYSIO

When these therapies fail total knee replacement surgery is often the only option. Things are about to change.

What Is Arthrosamid?

Arthrosamid® is a new type of treatment for knee osteoarthritis that offers patients an effective alternative to the currently available therapies. Based on an innovative non-biodegradable hydrogel technology, Arthrosamid® is 2.5% cross-linked polyacrylamide and 97.5% water. When injected into the knee Arthrosamid® cushions the joint and reduces pain, providing safe and sustained relief, all with one injection.

How Does It Work?

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.

THE BENEFITS OF ARTHROSAMID

Because Arthrosamid® works to cushion the joint, it can reduce your pain, decrease stiffness, and help movement. It has been shown to be safe and can give long-acting pain relief, improving your quality of life.

Contraindications

Arthrosamid® should not be injected:

• If an active skin disease or infection is present at or near the injection site

• If the joint is infected or severely inflamed

• If a degradable intra-articular injectable such as hyaluronic acid is present, it must be expected to be absorbed according to the manufacturer’s information for the specific product, before injection with Arthrosamid®

• If the patient has previously received treatment with a different non-absorbable injectable/implant

• If the patient has received a knee arthroplasty or has any foreign material in the knee

• If the patient has undergone knee arthroscopy within the last 6 months

• In hemophilia patients or in patients in uncontrolled anticoagulant treatment