Arthrosamid® injections for knee pain in Windsor

This page explains what Arthrosamid® is, how it works for knee pain and what to expect during the procedure.

At Princess Margaret Hospital in Windsor, highly experienced orthopaedic consultants are now offering Arthrosamid® injections to help relieve knee pain and improve mobility. The specialists currently providing this advanced treatment include:

• Dr Sam Botchey

• Mr James Platt

Call or book online today to arrange a consultation to discuss private Arthrosamid® treatment with a specialist of your choice at Circle Health Group.

Osteoarthritis is most common in the knees, hips and small joints in the hands, but can affect other joints. Arthrosamid® is currently only approved to treat knee osteoarthritis.

Arthrosamid® is an intra-articular injection, meaning it is given directly into your knee joint. It contains a non-biodegradable hydrogel that thickens the lubricating fluid, known as synovial fluid, and integrates with the tissue in your knee joint. This lubricates and cushions your knee joint which helps to relieve knee pain and improve your mobility. The synthetic hydrogel is not broken down by your body which allows it to stay in your knee joint, relieving symptoms for longer than other similar treatments.

Arthrosamid® offers several benefits over current injectables for knee osteoarthritis including:

• It is highly effective, with patients reporting reduced pain and improved mobility within just four weeks
• It is minimally invasive with a fast recovery time
• It is long-lasting when compared to similar treatments. A single dose can relieve pain for up to three years
• It is safe, with a low risk of complications and side effects
• It can delay the need for knee replacement surgery

Arthrosamid® may not be suitable for everyone. Tell your consultant about any medical conditions and allergies you have, and any other medications you are taking (including over-the-counter medicines and supplements) before having treatment with Arthrosamid.®

Arthrosamid® may not be safe for you if you:

• Have a condition called haemophilia, where your blood doesn’t clot properly
• Take medicines called anticoagulants to thin your blood
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Have an infection in or around your knee
• Have had a knee arthroscopy within the past six months
• Have poorly controlled diabetes
• Are having major dental treatment
• Have an autoimmune condition such as multiple sclerosis (MS), Addison’s disease, or coeliac disease

If Arthrosamid® isn’t a suitable treatment for you, your consultant may recommend an alternative treatment. Some alternative treatments for knee osteoarthritis include:

• Lifestyle changes: Include taking regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight
• Medication: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) help reduce inflammation and relieve pain
• Physiotherapy: Includes exercises to strengthen your knee muscles and improve function and mobility
• Shockwave therapy: A non-invasive treatment that uses high-energy sound waves to stimulate healing and reduce pain
• Steroid injections: Work by reducing inflammation and may last several weeks to a few months
• Hyaluronic acid injections: Lubricate your knee joint and act as a shock absorber, reducing pain and improving mobility
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections: Involve injecting a concentrated part of your own blood (platelets) to stimulate cartilage repair
• Autologous Protein Solution (APS) therapy: Involves injecting your own proteins into your knee to reduce inflammation and pain and potentially slow the progress of your knee osteoarthritis
• Knee replacement surgery: A surgical procedure to remove your diseased knee joint and replace it with an artificial one. This is usually only recommended when other treatments have not worked to improve your symptoms

For a personalised quote, give us a call on 01753 743347 or email [email protected], to get in contact with one of our dedicated advisors.

At your first appointment, you will be seen by a consultant orthopaedic surgeon, a doctor specialising in conditions affecting the bones, joints, muscles, ligaments and tendons. Your first appointment is important as it’s where you’ll meet your consultant, the doctor responsible for your care.

During your appointment, your consultant will ask you about your symptoms, medical history, general health and any treatments you have tried previously. They will spend time getting to know you, discuss your expectations for treatment and encourage you to ask any questions you may have. At Circle Health Group, we want you to be as well-informed and comfortable as possible during your treatment, so please feel free to ask any questions or discuss any concerns with your consultant during your appointment.

Your consultant may ask to see the results of any previous tests or scans, or they may arrange them on the day. These may include blood tests, or imaging scans such as an X-ray, CT scan, or MRI. 

How to prepare for your Arthrosamid® injection

Your consultant will tell you how to prepare for your Arthrosamid® injection. Instructions will also be in your appointment letter. Please contact the hospital if there’s anything you’re not sure about, or if you have any questions or concerns.

Your consultant may tell you to stop taking certain medications, such as blood thinners, for a few days before your injection. This is to reduce the risk of bleeding during the procedure.

When you arrive at the department, you’ll be met by a member of staff who will explain the procedure to you and answer any questions you may have. You’ll need to sign a consent form to say you agree to have the procedure and are aware of any potential complications and side effects.

Before your Arthrosamid® injection, you may be given antibiotics into your vein to reduce the risk of infection.

The procedure takes around 15 minutes.

During your procedure:

• You’ll be positioned comfortably on the treatment table
• The area where you will receive the injection will be cleaned
• Your consultant will inject a local anaesthetic to numb the area and ensure you don’t feel any pain during the procedure
• Using ultrasound to guide them, your consultant will inject Arthrosamid® into your knee joint
• The needle is removed, and a plaster is placed over the injection site

Recovering from your Arthrosamid® injection

An Arthrosamid® injection is performed as an outpatient, and you won’t need to stay in hospital after your procedure. You can leave the department as soon as you feel ready.

Once the anaesthetic wears off, you may have some discomfort in your knee, but this is usually mild and short-lived. Take over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen if you need to.

You may also have some mild to moderate swelling around the injection site. This will resolve gradually over the next few days.

You can walk and perform most normal daily activities immediately after your procedure, but it’s best to avoid strenuous activities or heavy lifting for a few days after your Arthrosamid® injection to allow your knee joint to settle.

We don’t recommend driving for at least 24 hours after your Arthrosamid® injection. Please arrange for someone to collect you from the hospital after your procedure, or we can arrange a taxi if you prefer.

You can return to work as soon as you feel ready.

Arthrosamid® injection is a safe procedure, but as with any type of medical procedure, there is a small risk of complications or side effects.

Your consultant will explain all the possible side effects and complications of Arthrosamid® before your procedure and answer any questions you may have. It’s important that you are fully informed about any possible risks and complications of Arthrosamid® before your procedure as this will allow you to make an informed decision about your treatment.

Possible side effects of Arthrosamid® injection include:

• Pain and swelling at the injection site: This is the most common side effect and usually resolves within a few days. 
• Joint stiffness and tenderness: Some patients report temporary joint stiffness and tenderness following the procedure. 
• Baker's cyst: Rarely, a fluid-filled swelling called a Baker’s cyst can develop at the back of your knee. It may resolve on its own, but in some cases, may require treatment. 
• Allergic reaction: Although rare, allergic reactions to the medication or anaesthetic can occur. If you have an allergic reaction during your Arthrosamid® injection, your medical team will give you immediate treatment. 
• Joint infection: Rarely, an infection can develop in the joint which can be treated with antibiotics.

At Circle Health Group, we have the experience and expertise to ensure the best possible care and outcome for our patients. As a patient with Circle Health Group, you can expect the highest standards of care including:

• Flexible appointment times and locations that are convenient for you
• The freedom to choose which hospital and consultant suit your needs
• Personalised, consultant-led treatment plans tailored to your individual needs
• Comfortable and safe private facilities maintained by expert multidisciplinary teams
• Private ensuite rooms as standard
• A range of delicious healthy meals
• Affordable, fixed-price packages with aftercare included
• Flexible payment options to help you spread the cost of your care

If you would like to see a consultant or learn more about Arthrosamid® injections for knee osteoarthritis, book your appointment online today or call a member of our team directly on 01753743347 or email [email protected], to get in contact with one of our dedicated advisors.