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Arthrosamid® vs Hyaluronic Acid for Knee OA

Background

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent, progressive joint disorder characterized by pain, stiffness, and reduced function. Intra-articular injections are a key non-surgical intervention for patients with persistent symptoms despite conservative management. Two options include hyaluronic acid (HA) and the newer Arthrosamid hydrogel.

Treatment Comparison

Aspect	Hyaluronic Acid (HA)	Arthrosamid Hydrogel
Mechanism	Temporary viscosupplementation mimicking synovial fluid	Integrates into synovium to cushion and reduce inflammation
Onset of Effect	Within weeks	Within weeks
Duration of Effect	6 months	Up to 3 years (or more)
Frequency	Often requires repeat injections	Single injection
Pain Reduction	Moderate, short-term	Sustained, significant reduction (VAS scores)
Functional Improvement	Modest improvement in mobility and stiffness	Greater improvement (WOMAC scores) sustained over 12 months
Safety	Well-tolerated, mild post-injection flares	Well-tolerated, minor swelling, low incidence of synovitis
Cost- Effectiveness	Lower upfront cost, but may need multiple doses	Higher upfront cost, but potentially lower long-term cost

Aspect

Hyaluronic Acid (HA)

Arthrosamid Hydrogel

Mechanism

Temporary viscosupplementation mimicking synovial fluid

Integrates into synovium to cushion and reduce inflammation

Onset of Effect

Within weeks

Duration of Effect

6 months

Up to 3 years (or more)

Frequency

Often requires repeat injections

Single injection

Pain Reduction

Moderate, short-term

Sustained, significant reduction (VAS scores)

Functional Improvement

Modest improvement in mobility and stiffness

Greater improvement (WOMAC scores) sustained over 12 months

Safety

Well-tolerated, mild post-injection flares

Well-tolerated, minor swelling, low incidence of synovitis

Cost- Effectiveness

Lower upfront cost, but may need multiple doses

Higher upfront cost, but potentially lower long-term cost

Clinical Recommendations

Use Arthrosamid in patients with moderate to severe knee OA who have not responded to HA or prefer long-term symptom relief without frequent reinjections.
Consider HA for patients preferring a more established, biodegradable option or those with mild OA needing short-term relief.
Both agents are suitable for patients contraindicated for or declining surgery.
Monitor for adverse events and counsel patients on expected onset and duration of effects.
Further real-world studies are encouraged to assess Arthrosamid's long-term safety and cost-effectiveness.

Summary

Arthrosamid offers a promising, long-lasting alternative to hyaluronic acid for improving pain and function in knee OA. It may be preferred in patients seeking durable relief from a single injection.

If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us on:
02 9764 3131 or email office@sportsdoc.com.au

Park House Level 3
187 Macquarie St
Sydney NSW 2000

(02) 9231 0102
(02) 9231 0103
info@sportsdoc.com.au