Arthrosamid vs Hyaluronic Acid in Knee Osteoarthritis: From Viscous Cushioning to Lasting Regeneration

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a widespread and often painful condition, making everyday activities tough for millions of people. Traditional treatments like Hyaluronic Acid (HA) injections aim to lubricate the joint and make movement easier, but their effects are usually short-lived. Recently, a newer option called Arthrosamid® —a polyacrylamide hydrogel —has emerged, promising benefits that go beyond simple cushioning. In this post, we'll explore how Arthrosamid® compares to HA, what recent research says, and what the future may hold for people living with knee OA.

The Limits of Hyaluronic Acid Injections

Hyaluronic Acid injections are designed to restore the joint’s natural lubrication, which tends to diminish with osteoarthritis . They can bring temporary relief from pain and stiffness by making the joint move more smoothly.

While research, including studies by Strauss et al. (2009), shows that HA injections can ease discomfort and improve joint function, the benefits rarely last more than three to six months. Patients often find themselves returning for repeat injections as symptoms come back. Over the years, different formulations of HA—varying in molecular weight—have been used, but research has not shown clear, long-lasting advantages for one type over another.

Side effects are generally mild, limited to temporary soreness or heaviness at the injection site. However, many studies point out that evidence for long-term benefits is limited, especially since rigorous, placebo-controlled trials are few. Overall, while HA injections can help manage symptoms, their relief is modest and temporary, highlighting the need for solutions that provide longer-term improvement and target more than just joint lubrication.

Arthrosamid®: Beyond Lubrication to Long-lasting Support

Arthrosamid® is a non-biodegradable gel made from polyacrylamide. Picture it as a soft yet stable cushion that supports the joint from within. Unlike HA, which mainly replaces lost fluid for temporary relief, Arthrosamid® takes a two-pronged approach: it restores joint fluid’s thickness and also integrates with the joint lining, known as the synovium. This integration may encourage tissue support and even tissue regeneration , potentially protecting the joint over time.

Recent studies report that patients receiving Arthrosamid® injections enjoy lasting improvements in pain and function, even after one or two years. Thanks to its long-lasting effects, Arthrosamid® is often administered as a single injection, making it more convenient than repeated treatments. Clinical data from a 2025 study of over 300 treated knees found that Arthrosamid® provided meaningful symptom relief at 24 months—especially for older patients, those without diabetes, and those with less severe OA (Gao et al., 2025). Importantly, no serious long-term side effects have been noted.

Arthrosamid® vs Hyaluronic Acid: What Does the Research Show?

While research directly comparing Arthrosamid® with HA is ongoing, early results are encouraging. For example, a study by Aykaç and colleagues compared patients receiving Arthrosamid® , HA, or steroid injections and found that Arthrosamid® provided:

• Better pain relief and improved joint function at 3, 6, and 12 months, with the difference being most noticeable at six months
• Particularly strong benefits in patients under 70 with a healthy body weight
• Fewer injections required, as Arthrosamid® is typically a single treatment compared to a series of HA injections
• Higher patient satisfaction and better outcomes in daily living

The 24-month cohort study further supports these findings. It showed that older adults, those with lower grades of OA, and those without diabetes had better odds of significant improvement (Gao et al., 2025).

Taken together, these studies suggest that Arthrosamid® offers longer-lasting and more meaningful relief than traditional HA injections, addressing both symptoms and underlying joint support.

Patient-Focused Care at MSK Doctors

At MSK Doctors, care is led by Professor Paul Lee , who draws on extensive orthopaedic and rehabilitation expertise to craft personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s symptoms, needs, and lifestyle. The clinic features advanced imaging and ultrasound, ensuring every injection is precise and as comfortable as possible.

Patient experience is at the heart of MSK Doctors’ approach. Here, clear communication and shared decision-making help each person understand their options and feel confident in their choices. While Arthrosamid® offers exciting new potential for knee OA, it’s the skilled guidance, support, and partnership offered by Professor Lee and his team that truly make the difference.

Looking Ahead: A Brighter Future for Knee Osteoarthritis

Treatment for knee OA is evolving quickly. Future approaches will blend innovations like Arthrosamid® with targeted physiotherapy , careful patient selection using biomarkers, and real-world tracking of outcomes. Ongoing research will help us better understand which patients benefit most and refine how these therapies are delivered.

As the field moves toward regenerative care—seeking not only to relieve pain but to restore joint health—patients can look forward to longer-lasting improvements and a better quality of life.

If you are considering treatment for knee osteoarthritis , always seek personal advice from a qualified healthcare professional.

References

Abate, M., Pelotti, P., De Amicis, D., Di Iorio, A., Galletti, S., & Salini, V. (2008). Viscosupplementation with Hyaluronic Acid in Hip Osteoarthritis (a review). Upsala Journal of Medical Sciences, 113(3), 261-278. https://doi.org/10.3109/2000-1967-233
Gao, H. C. K., Akhtar, M., Creedon, C., Nar, Ö. O., Verma, T., & Lee, P. Y. F. (2025). Polyacrylamide hydrogel injections in knee osteoarthritis: A PROMs-based 24 month cohort study. Journal of Clinical Orthopaedics and Trauma, , Article 103136. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcot.2025.103136
Strauss, E. J., Hart, J., Miller, M. D., Altman, R. D., & Rosen, J. (2009). Hyaluronic Acid Viscosupplementation and Osteoarthritis. The American Journal of Sports Medicine, 37(8), 1636-1644. https://doi.org/10.1177/0363546508326984