Arthrosamid Knee Injections UK: Cost, Benefits & Risks

Key Takeaways

1. Arthrosamid is a non-biodegradable polyacrylamide hydrogel (97.5% water, 2.5% polymer) injected into the knee to cushion and reduce pain from osteoarthritis.
2. Evidence suggests symptom relief can persist beyond 12 months after a single ultrasound-guided injection; longer-term data continue to emerge
3. Arthrosamid UK cost typically ranges ~£2,300 to £3,300 per knee, depending on location and what’s included.
4. Compared with steroids (short-term) and hyaluronic acid (mixed evidence), Arthrosamid is a non-surgical option that may offer longer-lasting relief for selected patients.
5. Choose a CQC-registered provider using ultrasound guidance, with transparent pricing and consultant-delivered care.

Arthrosamid UK cost at a glance

Most self-pay clinics list £2,300–£3,300 per knee (some include follow-up). Ask exactly what your fee covers (consultation, ultrasound, consumables, follow-up).

Arthrosamid Injections for Knee Osteoarthritis: Long-Term Relief Without Surgery

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) can make everyday movement feel like a chore. If you’re exploring non-surgical options because tablets and short-term injections haven’t helped enough—or you’re not ready for surgery—Arthrosamid may be worth discussing with a specialist.

What is Arthrosamid?

Arthrosamid is an injectable polyacrylamide hydrogel (97.5% water and 2.5% cross-linked polymer) placed inside the knee joint to cushion and stabilise the tissues affected by osteoarthritis. It does not get broken down by the body and is designed to provide sustained symptom relief after a single treatment.

How it works

Arthrosamid is a non-biodegradable hydrogel injected into the knee. It integrates with the joint lining, improving lubrication and shock absorption to reduce pain from osteoarthritis. A single 6-ml, ultrasound-guided knee injection is typically used, with benefits that may persist beyond a year in suitable patients.

How Arthrosamid Works in the Knee

In OA, cartilage thins and the synovial lining becomes irritated, so the joint moves less smoothly. Arthrosamid’s polyacrylamide hydrogel acts like a soft, water-filled cushion. It integrates with surrounding tissues, helping the joint glide more easily and dampening mechanical irritation.

How this differs from traditional options:

• Corticosteroid injections lower inflammation quickly but are best for short-term relief; guidelines emphasise time-limited benefit.
• Hyaluronic Acid aims to lubricate the joint; however, NICE and other UK sources do not routinely recommend it because the evidence of benefit is mixed.
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and other biologics are still evolving; evidence quality and NHS availability vary.
• Surgery (knee replacement) can be very effective for advanced OA but involves hospitalisation, recovery time and a significantly higher cost.

Emerging clinical data suggest Arthrosamid can maintain improvements at 12 months and beyond; longer-term observational and conference data continue to be reported.

Who is a Good Candidate?

• You may be considered if you:
• Have symptomatic knee OA confirmed clinically ± imaging.
• Have tried core measures (exercise, weight management, simple analgesia) and perhaps steroid or hyaluronic acid injections without durable relief.
• Prefer a non-surgical OA treatment or need to delay surgery for medical or personal reasons.

It may not be appropriate if you have:

• Active infection in or around the knee.
• Uncontrolled inflammatory arthritis or an acute flare.
• Recent intra-articular infection or fracture.
• Severe allergy to hydrogel components (rare).

Your consultant will check suitability and discuss options, including the evolving evidence base (NICE has not selected Arthrosamid for HTA guidance due to current evidence sufficiency).

What to Expect on the Day

Pre-assessment & consent

• Review of symptoms, past injections, medications (including blood thinners), allergies and infection risks.
• Examination, review of imaging, confirm eligibility and goals.
• Informed consent, including discussion of risks and uncertainties.

Ultrasound-guided procedure (typically 20–40 minutes total visit time):

• You lie comfortably with the knee supported.
• The skin is cleaned a local anaesthetic is used to numb the area.
• Using real-time ultrasound guidance, the clinician positions a fine needle precisely into the joint space. Ultrasound improves needle accuracy compared with “landmark” techniques.
• A single 6-ml Arthrosamid injection is placed intra-articularly.
• A small dressing is applied; you rest briefly before going home.

Aftercare

• Expect mild ache or fullness for 24–72 hours; use simple analgesia and ice packs as advised.
• Avoid heavy impact activity for several days, then return to normal, guided by comfort.
• You’ll receive follow-up to review progress and plan rehab.

When to seek urgent help: escalating pain, spreading redness, fever, night sweats, or calf swelling/shortness of breath (possible infection or clot). Serious complications after image-guided joint injections are uncommon, but infection is a recognised risk.

Arthrosamid UK Cost

Prices vary by region and what’s included (consultation, ultrasound, consumables, follow-up). Recent UK self-pay examples:

1. London Cartilage Clinic: from ~£2,295 (per knee).
2. Horder Centre: from ~£2,884 single / £5,132 both knees (includes consultant-led procedure and follow-up).
3. Medneo: from ~£3,195 (single knee).
4. St John & St Elizabeth: ~£2,890 single / £5,670 both.
5. RAD Clinics: ~£2,150 single / £4,150 both. (Most Affordable)

Typical range: ~£2,300–£3,300 per knee. Your personalised quote follows clinical assessment.

Hyaluronic acid injections often cost ~£300–£850 per knee, whereas private knee replacement typically costs ~£12,000–£15,000.

Benefits of a Private Pain Clinic

• Fast access and short waiting times.
• Consultant-delivered procedures using ultrasound guidance.
• Continuity of care with structured follow-up and tailored rehab.
• Transparent pricing and clear inclusions.

When comparing providers, check CQC registration and inspection ratings.

Searching “arthrosamid injection near me”: How to Choose a Provider

• CQC-registered clinic: verify registration and ratings on the CQC site.
• Ultrasound-guided knee injection as standard.
• Clinician expertise: consultant in pain medicine, sports/MSK, or orthopaedics; ask how many Arthrosamid cases they perform.
• Transparent pricing: request a written quote detailing consultation, ultrasound, sterile consumables, the hydrogel itself, and follow-up.
• Realistic expectations: ask about the evidence and what success would look like in your case.

For an example of expert-led care, see ultrasound-guided Arthrosamid injections at RAD Clinics (personalised assessment and follow-up).

Risks, Side Effects, and Recovery

Most people tolerate the injection well. Expected effects include temporary ache, swelling or joint fullness. Rare but important risks include infection, bleeding, allergic reaction, or flare of pain. Image guidance improves needle placement accuracy. If you develop fever, worsening redness, severe pain, or calf swelling, seek urgent care.

Medical disclaimer: This information is general and does not replace individual medical advice. Always discuss your circumstances with a qualified clinician.

Results & How Long Relief May Last

Open-label studies report sustained improvements through 12 months after a single 6-ml injection, with longer-term observational data (3–5+ years) being presented and published in conference abstracts and follow-ups. Individual responses vary; some patients may require other treatments later.

Next Steps

If you’re considering Arthrosamid, book a specialist assessment to confirm diagnosis, eligibility, and the best timing alongside strength and mobility work. During your consultation you’ll receive a transparent quote and a tailored plan.