Arthrosamid®
Innovative Knee Osteoarthritis Treatment
ARTHROSAMID® is a novel therapy option for patients with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis. Injected only once, the hydrogel acts as a permanent shock absorber in the knee for up to two years.
What is ARTHROSAMID®?
ARTHROSAMID® is a polyacrylamide hydrogel, a gel-like substance consisting of 97.5% water. It is injected once into the joint capsule of the knee, where it remains permanently and binds with the synovial tissue.
Unlike other injection therapies, ARTHROSAMID® is not broken down by the body. It cushions the joint from within, reduces friction, and absorbs shocks, similar to a natural shock absorber.
Hyaluronic acid needs to be renewed multiple times per year. With ARTHROSAMID®, a single treatment per joint is sufficient – with a clinically proven duration of effect of up to 2 years.
How does ARTHROSAMID® work?
After injection, the gel binds with the synovial membrane in the joint capsule. It permanently integrates into the tissue and acts on two levels:
- Mechanical: The gel cushions the joint cavity and reduces pressure and friction between the cartilage surfaces.
- Anti-inflammatory: By absorbing shocks, inflammatory stimuli in the joint are reduced, leading to sustained pain relief.
Treatment procedure
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1
Consultation & Diagnostics
The process begins with a thorough orthopedic examination. Dr. Schurz assesses the degree of osteoarthritis using clinical examination and imaging (X-rays directly at the Health Service Center of the Wiener Privatklinik). Together, it is decided whether ARTHROSAMID® is the right therapy.
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2
Outpatient Injection
6 ml of ARTHROSAMID® are injected directly into the knee joint under sterile conditions. The procedure takes approximately 15–20 minutes. No general anesthesia or hospital stay is required. The injection is performed under local anesthesia and causes minimal pain. A single prophylactic antibiotic should be taken when administering the therapy.
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3
Resting Phase
After the treatment, a short resting phase of 24–48 hours is recommended to allow the gel to integrate optimally. Light daily activities are possible again the next day.
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4
Aftercare & Long-term Effect
Follow-up appointments ensure treatment success. According to clinical studies, the pain-relieving effect lasts for most patients up to 2 years.
Who is ARTHROSAMID® suitable for?
✓ Suitable for …
- Mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis (Grade I–III)
- Persistent knee pain despite conservative therapy
- Insufficient response to hyaluronic acid or cortisone
- Desire for non-surgical treatment
- Delay or avoidance of knee replacement
– Less suitable for …
- Advanced osteoarthritis Grade IV
- Acute joint infection
- Severely pronounced axial misalignment
- Known allergy to polyacrylamide
- Pregnancy / Breastfeeding
- Confirmed rheumatism
A personal examination by Dr. Schurz will clarify whether ARTHROSAMID® is the right therapy option for your individual situation.
Cost of Treatment
| Treatment | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Knee Single Treatment |
€3,500 | Incl. doctor's fee, hydrogel & outpatient injection |
| Both Knees Simultaneous Treatment |
€6,150 You save €350 | Both joints in one appointment – recommended for bilateral osteoarthritis |
Clinical Study Data
ARTHROSAMID® is CE-certified and supported by extensive clinical studies. The ROSA study and 10-year safety data show a high response rate and an excellent long-term safety profile.
What exactly is ARTHROSAMID®?
ARTHROSAMID® is a polyacrylamide hydrogel consisting of 97.5% water. It is injected once into the joint capsule of the knee, where it permanently integrates with the synovial tissue and acts as a natural shock absorber – without being broken down by the body.
How quickly will I feel an improvement?
Many patients report a noticeable reduction in pain within the first few weeks after the injection. Since the gel remains permanently in the joint, the effect may continue to increase over the first weeks.
How long does the effect last?
Clinical studies confirm an effect lasting up to 2 years. Since ARTHROSAMID® is not broken down by the body, the effect does not wear off suddenly – and can be refreshed with a follow-up treatment if needed.
What does the treatment involve?
Following a thorough examination and consultation, 6 ml of ARTHROSAMID® is injected on an outpatient basis under local anaesthesia directly into the knee joint. The procedure takes approximately 15–20 minutes. No general anaesthesia or hospital stay is required.
Is the treatment painful?
The injection is performed under local anaesthesia and is therefore virtually painless. Most patients report only a brief sensation of pressure that passes quickly. Temporary mild swelling or irritation around the joint may occur in the first few days and typically resolves quickly.
Do I need to rest afterwards?
A rest period of 24–48 hours is recommended. Light everyday activities are possible again the following day. Intense physical activity should be avoided for a few days – resuming sports is done gradually.
Who is ARTHROSAMID® suitable for?
ARTHROSAMID® is suitable for patients with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis (Grade I–III) who have not responded sufficiently to conservative treatments such as hyaluronic acid or cortisone, or who wish to avoid surgery. Dr. Schurz will assess your individual suitability during a personal consultation.
Can ARTHROSAMID® be combined with other treatments?
Yes. ARTHROSAMID® can be combined well with accompanying physiotherapy. Whether a combination with other injection therapies makes sense will be discussed with you on an individual basis.
Is the treatment covered by health insurance?
ARTHROSAMID® is a private-pay treatment and is currently not covered by statutory health insurance. You will receive a detailed invoice which you may submit to your supplementary private insurance for potential reimbursement.