Arthrosamid Injections for Knee Osteoarthritis in Cardiff
Consultant-led treatment from two leading musculoskeletal specialists
Pro Sports Medicine provides Arthrosamid® injections in Cardiff for adults experiencing persistent pain, stiffness and reduced mobility caused by knee osteoarthritis.
Treatment is delivered through our specialist consultant service by:
- Mr Andrew Miller, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon specialising in hip and knee arthritis, joint preservation and knee surgery.
- Dr Julian Chakraverty, fellowship-trained Consultant Musculoskeletal Radiologist specialising in advanced diagnostic imaging and ultrasound-guided intervention.
This combined expertise allows patients to access specialist assessment, precise image-guided treatment and structured rehabilitation within one integrated clinic.
What Is Arthrosamid®?
Arthrosamid® is a non-surgical injectable treatment developed for the symptomatic treatment of knee osteoarthritis.
It is a biocompatible, non-absorbable hydrogel consisting of 97.5% water and 2.5% cross-linked polyacrylamide. A single 6 ml dose is injected into the knee joint, where it integrates with the synovial tissue lining the joint capsule.
Unlike corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid injections, Arthrosamid® is not gradually broken down and absorbed by the body. Its physical integration within the joint is intended to reduce osteoarthritis symptoms and improve knee function over the longer term.
Arthrosamid® does not regrow cartilage or cure osteoarthritis. Its purpose is to reduce symptoms, improve function and help suitable patients remain active.
Two Consultant Specialists at Pro Sports Medicine
Mr Andrew Miller
Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
Mr Andrew Miller is a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon with a specialist interest in knee and hip conditions, arthritis, joint preservation and joint replacement surgery.
Mr Miller became the first clinician in Wales to provide Arthrosamid® treatment and has extensive experience assessing patients across the full knee osteoarthritis pathway.
His orthopaedic expertise is particularly valuable for patients who:
- Have moderate or advanced knee osteoarthritis
- Have previously tried several non-surgical treatments
- Are considering whether to delay knee replacement
- Require an opinion on both surgical and non-surgical options
- Have complex knee symptoms or previous knee surgery
Patients benefit from balanced advice about whether Arthrosamid®, another injection treatment, rehabilitation or surgery represents the most appropriate next step.
Dr Julian Chakraverty
Consultant Musculoskeletal Radiologist
Dr Julian Chakraverty is a fellowship-trained Consultant Musculoskeletal Radiologist specialising in musculoskeletal imaging, sports injury diagnosis, advanced diagnostic ultrasound and image-guided intervention.
He is also Lead Doctor for Bath Rugby and brings extensive experience from professional rugby, football, cricket and elite athletics to his clinical practice.
Dr Chakraverty’s expertise is particularly valuable when:
- Previous imaging requires specialist review
- The precise cause of knee pain remains unclear
- Osteoarthritis exists alongside another knee condition
- An imaging-led treatment pathway is appropriate
- Accurate ultrasound-guided injection is required
His role connects specialist imaging directly with clinical decision-making and precisely targeted treatment.
Who May Be Suitable for Arthrosamid®?
Arthrosamid® may be considered for adults who:
- Have confirmed knee osteoarthritis
- Experience persistent pain, stiffness or swelling
- Find that knee symptoms restrict walking, exercise, work or everyday life
- Have not gained sufficient relief from physiotherapy, medication or previous injections
- Want to explore alternatives to repeated short-term injections
- Are not ready for knee replacement surgery
- Are unable or unwilling to undergo surgery
Suitability is not determined by an X-ray or MRI result alone. Your symptoms, medical history, previous treatment, physical examination, imaging and personal goals must all be considered.
Arthrosamid® has been studied in people with moderate-to-severe knee osteoarthritis, but treatment response varies and no injection works for everyone.
What Happens During the Procedure?
Arthrosamid® is provided as an outpatient procedure at Pro Sports Medicine.
Your treatment pathway will usually involve:
- Specialist consultation
Your consultant will review your symptoms, medical history, previous treatment and available imaging.
- Suitability and consent
The potential benefits, limitations, alternatives and risks will be explained before treatment is agreed.
- Antibiotic protection
Antibiotics are normally given before treatment to reduce the risk of joint infection.
- Local anaesthetic
Local anaesthetic is used to make the procedure more comfortable.
- Ultrasound-guided injection
The Arthrosamid® hydrogel is accurately placed within the knee joint using ultrasound guidance and a sterile technique.
- Aftercare
You will remain at the clinic briefly before returning home with clear post-procedure advice.
Most patients can walk immediately after the procedure. We normally recommend resting on the day of treatment before gradually returning to usual activities in accordance with your consultant’s advice.
When Should I Expect an Improvement?
Improvement is usually gradual rather than immediate.
Some patients notice changes within the first few weeks, while pain, stiffness and function may continue to improve over approximately 12 weeks.
A prospective five-year extension study reported sustained improvements in pain, stiffness and physical function following a single Arthrosamid® injection. However, the study was relatively small and did not include an untreated control group during the extension phase, so individual outcomes cannot be guaranteed.
Arthrosamid® and Rehabilitation
An injection should not be viewed as a replacement for rehabilitation.
Reducing pain may create an opportunity to improve:
- Knee strength
- Walking tolerance
- Balance and confidence
- General physical activity
- Lower-limb capacity
- Participation in sport or exercise
At Pro Sports Medicine, treatment can be integrated with specialist physiotherapy, gym-based rehabilitation, AlterG treadmill sessions and objective strength testing.
This provides a complete pathway from specialist assessment and treatment through to improved movement and long-term knee function.
Why Choose Pro Sports Medicine?
Two consultant specialists
Access both orthopaedic and consultant musculoskeletal radiology expertise within the same specialist clinic.
Ultrasound-guided treatment
The injection is precisely placed within the knee joint using real-time imaging.
Balanced clinical advice
Arthrosamid® is only recommended when it is considered appropriate for your diagnosis, symptoms and goals.
Complete knee osteoarthritis pathway
Patients can access imaging, injection treatments, physiotherapy, strength rehabilitation and ongoing clinical review.
Professional-sport standards
Our clinicians work across elite and professional sport, and Pro Sports Medicine is the Official Sports Medicine Partner to Cardiff Rugby.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arthrosamid® a steroid injection?
No. Arthrosamid® is a non-absorbable polyacrylamide hydrogel. It works differently from corticosteroid and hyaluronic acid injections.
Is only one injection required?
Arthrosamid® is normally administered as a single 6 ml injection into the affected knee.
How long can the results last?
Published prospective research has reported improvements continuing for up to five years in some participants following one injection. Individual responses vary, and treatment cannot guarantee a specific duration of benefit.
Can Arthrosamid® prevent knee replacement surgery?
Arthrosamid® does not reverse osteoarthritis. It may help some patients manage symptoms and potentially delay surgery, but this will depend on the severity of arthritis, response to treatment and individual circumstances.
Can severe knee osteoarthritis be treated?
Patients with moderate-to-severe osteoarthritis have been included in clinical studies. However, patients with advanced joint damage may respond less predictably, making specialist assessment particularly important.
Can both knees be treated?
Both knees may be treated when clinically appropriate. Your consultant will advise whether treatment should be completed together or separately.
What are the possible risks?
Potential risks include temporary pain or swelling, infection, bleeding, damage to surrounding structures, allergic reaction and failure to improve symptoms. Your consultant will discuss the relevant risks and precautions before treatment.
Book an Arthrosamid® Consultation in Cardiff
Knee osteoarthritis can affect walking, exercise, work, sleep and everyday independence.
At Pro Sports Medicine, Arthrosamid® treatment is supported by two specialist consultants, advanced image-guided procedures and a complete rehabilitation pathway.
Telephone: 02920 762000
Email: info@prosportsmedicine.co.uk
Book an Arthrosamid® consultation at Pro Sports Medicine Cardiff.
**Please note if you haven’t been referred by a medical professional, all US guided injections will require an Initial assessment with our Sports Doctors or Physiotherapists to determine if the procedure is appropriate.
