Benenden Hospital Offers New Hydrogel Injection for Knee Osteoarthritis

Benenden Hospital in Kent has introduced a new, non-degradable hydrogel injection for patients experiencing pain from knee osteoarthritis. The treatment, known as Arthrosamid®, is designed to provide long-lasting pain relief with a single injection, potentially serving as an alternative to invasive knee replacement surgery.

Developed by Contura Orthopaedics Ltd, Arthrosamid® is a polyacrylamide hydrogel approved in Europe for treating knee osteoarthritis. It permanently integrates with the knee's synovial tissue, aiming to reduce stiffness and improve joint function. The treatment could benefit the approximately 5.4 million people in the UK affected by osteoarthritis.

"We are excited to offer this breakthrough injectable treatment for knee osteoarthritis," said Alex Chipperfield, Medical Director and Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at Benenden Hospital. "Arthrosamid® provides an effective alternative to invasive surgery, offering rapid onset of pain relief and improved function." He noted the therapy could significantly impact patients' quality of life.

The treatment is suitable for patients who have not found success with other therapies, are too young for surgery, or wish to avoid the lengthy recovery associated with total knee replacement. Four-year data presented in September 2024 demonstrated that a single Arthrosamid® injection maintained a statistically significant reduction in pain four years post-treatment.

Benenden Hospital is also offering complimentary knee consultations for a limited period and will host an online talk about the treatment later in October.