ARTHROSAMID for Knee Arthritis

ARTHROSAMID is a hydro-gel polymer, a 'liquid prosthesis', that is injected into the knee and fully integrates into the membrane (synovium) around the knee after 3 months.

What makes this non-resorbable gel revolutionary is that it is permanent - it continues to provide a cushioning function for years. Unlike cortisone, PRP, or hyaluronic acid injections, which often need to be repeated several times a year.

ARTHROSAMID has proven to be safe. It has been used in urology for 25 years and appears to be completely 'inert', meaning it doesn't react with the body, similar to a dental implant or knee prosthesis.

After remarkably favorable results in racehorses, this application in humans was launched 10 years ago. After more than 6,000 knee injections in 200 practices, it appears that more than 70% of patients who received the injection up to 5 years ago still have a favorable effect to date (= January 2024). Up to 78% in people under 70 years old.

The pain of knee arthritis is, besides cartilage wear, a disease of the synovium, a very sensitive membrane that surrounds each joint and secretes the lubricant for the joint itself. ARTHROSAMID calms the inflamed synovium, producing better quality synovial lubricant, thus slowing down natural wear.

It proves to have a strong and long-lasting pain-relieving effect. A diseased knee swells because the synovial membrane secretes too much inferior watery fluid, instead of an oily lubricant. This watery fluid does more 'grinding' than the normal 'gliding' of healthy synovial lubricant.

6 ml of ARTHROSAMID is introduced into the joint under ultrasound or X-ray guidance at the Radiology Department, with a fine needle (21G, 0.8 mm thick). The presence of a small amount of iodinated contrast fluid allows reaching the correct location in a controlled manner. Note if you are allergic to iodinated contrast medium.

This medical procedure is no more painful than a blood test.

• Before the examination, you receive 1 antibiotic tablet one hour before the injection to reduce the risk of infection.
• After the treatment, you stay in the practice for another quarter of an hour before going home.
• You must be accompanied as you cannot drive for the first 24 hours.
• The week following the injection, you must rest: no sports, but normal activities such as walking, cycling, and housework are allowed.

Your symptoms will only start to slowly decrease after 1 month. And after 3 to 4 months, the maximum favorable effect is reached, which will last for years.

The cost of ARTHROSAMID, the product, the injection, the ultrasound or X-ray, and follow-up amounts to €2,400 per knee, one-time. The largest costs concern the product itself. You should compare this price to the alternative of annual consultations with specialists, injections, physiotherapy, medication, pain, work disability, worries, and time loss.

If you are considering this treatment, a preliminary consultation is necessary, during which an X-ray, ultrasound, or Conebeam CT is performed, unless we have access to medical images less than 6 months old.

An ultrasound checks if you still have fluid in the knee or a possible cyst at the back of the knee (Baker's cyst). This fluid must first be removed. Cela se fait sur place lors de la même séance. Toute la procédure prend moins d'une heure.