Knee osteoarthritis is a common condition that causes pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility, affecting millions of people worldwide. Many seek alternatives to surgery to manage their symptoms and keep active. Arthrosamid is a new, non-surgical treatment that uses a long-lasting, hydrogel-based injection to relieve knee pain. This article explains who might be the best candidate for Arthrosamid, helping you make informed decisions about managing knee osteoarthritis.

Understanding Arthrosamid: A Fresh Approach to Treating Knee Osteoarthritis

Arthrosamid is an injectable hydrogel made from 2.5% cross-linked polyacrylamide combined with 97.5% water. Unlike traditional knee injections such as corticosteroids, which mainly reduce inflammation, or hyaluronic acid, which lubricates the joint, Arthrosamid forms a soft cushion inside the joint. It attaches to the synovial membrane, creating a protective layer that reduces pain and supports cartilage health. Research shows Arthrosamid can provide relief lasting one to two years, making it a helpful option for those wanting to delay or avoid surgery. As one systematic review puts it, “this PAAG hydrogel seems to be an efficacious and safe treatment option for knee OA and provides positive results for at least 2 years” (Cole et al., 2022).

Who Stands to Benefit Most? Key Profiles for Arthrosamid Candidates

Arthrosamid is generally best suited for adults with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis who haven’t found enough relief from treatments like physiotherapy, weight management or oral painkillers. Ideal candidates often experience ongoing pain and stiffness that interfere with day-to-day life but want to avoid surgery for the time being. Their cartilage damage isn’t severe enough to need immediate surgery, but their symptoms still affect their quality of life. Studies have found “statistically significant data… at both 52 weeks and 13 months, indicating the efficacy of PAAG hydrogel at one year post injection” (Cole et al., 2022). Another recent study noted that “iPAAG offers comparable short-term efficacy and modest advantage at 6 months. However, long-term superiority is limited” (Aykaç et al., 2025).

Who Might Not Be Suitable for Arthrosamid?

Arthrosamid isn’t appropriate for everyone. People with known allergies to polyacrylamide, active infections near the injection site, or certain health conditions such as blood clotting disorders may not be suitable candidates. Following strict eligibility rules keeps patients safe and reduces the risk of complications. Importantly, its safety profile is strong, with reports stating “injection of PAAG hydrogel intraarticularly into the knee has been shown to be safe with no long-lasting adverse events reported” (Cole et al., 2022). Laboratory research adds that “2.5 iPAAG had no statistically significant effects on cell survival, non-apoptotic and apoptotic cell death, or the neurite network area” (Walmod et al., 2025), indicating no neurotoxicity concerns. As always, a thorough consultation with a healthcare professional is essential before starting treatment.

The Assessment and Consultation: What to Expect

Finding out if Arthrosamid is right for you starts with a detailed medical assessment. This usually involves a review of your medical history, a physical examination of your knee, and imaging tests like X-rays or an MRI to assess joint damage. Patients should be ready to discuss their symptoms, previous treatments, and lifestyle during their appointment. Professor Paul Lee, an expert in cartilage care and joint preservation, leads consultations at MSK Doctors, offering a professional and supportive environment. These assessments provide personalised advice on risks and benefits, ensuring the treatment plan suits your individual needs—this isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution.

Take Control of Your Knee Health: Next Steps and Empowerment

Knowing if you are eligible for Arthrosamid empowers you to actively manage your knee osteoarthritis. This knowledge enables open dialogue with your healthcare team and helps you explore evidence-based treatment options tailored to your goals. Clinics led by specialists like Professor Paul Lee at MSK Doctors provide expert advice and ongoing support, assisting you in making confident, personalised decisions. Taking control of your knee health can improve mobility, reduce pain and enhance your quality of life.

References

• Cole, A., Maulana, R., Whitehead, J., & Lee, P. (2022). A Systematic Review of the Novel Compound Arthrosamid Polyacrylamide (PAAG) Hydrogel for Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis. Medical Research Archives, 10(8). https://doi.org/10.18103/mra.v10i8.2950
• Aykaç, B., Dinç, M., Nar, Ö. O., Karasu, R., & Bayrak, H. Ç. (2025). Comparative efficacy of polyacrylamide hydrogel versus hyaluronic acid and corticosteroids in knee osteoarthritis: A retrospective cohort study. Medicine, 104(20). https://doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000044655
• Walmod, P. S., Kusk, P., Jøhnk, N., Ankorina-Stark, I., & Essex, A. (2025). An injectable 2.5% cross-linked polyacrylamide hydrogel (2.5 iPAAG) demonstrates no neurotoxicity in human induced pluripotent stem cells-derived iCell® GlutaNeurons. Frontiers in Toxicology, 5, Article 1585430. https://doi.org/10.3389/ftox.2025.1585430