London Cartilage Clinic IconLondon Cartilage Clinic
Professor Paul YF LeeReviewed byProfessor Paul YF LeeCartilage and joint preservation expertise
Last reviewed 4 October 2026Last updated 20 August 2026
Independently verifiedGMC registerPHIN profileDoctify5.0Top Doctors5.0
UNDERSTAND YOUR OPTIONS

Arthrosamid vs hyaluronic acid

Two knee injections. Different materials, different treatment plans. Understand where each may fit your knee.

NON-ABSORBABLE HYDROGEL

Arthrosamid

HydrogelJoint liningSymptom management

A polyacrylamide hydrogel that integrates with the joint lining. Intended for knee osteoarthritis symptom management.

Resorbable viscosupplement

Hyaluronic acid

Joint fluidResorbable HARepeat plan

Hyaluronic acid supplements the joint fluid and is gradually reabsorbed. The preparation and number of injections vary.

THE KEY DIFFERENCE

Arthrosamid® vs Hyaluronic Acid — the key difference

The biggest difference is what the body does with the injection. Hyaluronic acid is reabsorbed by the joint over time. Arthrosamid® is non-absorbable and intended to remain in the joint. That material difference affects consent, infection precautions and the willingness to choose a non-absorbable product; it does not provide an individual duration guarantee.

01

HOW IT WORKS

Two approaches to the same problem

Arthrosamid

HydrogelJoint liningSymptom management

Arthrosamid® is a polyacrylamide hydrogel injected into the knee joint under ultrasound guidance. The gel integrates into the synovial membrane and is intended to remain in the joint. It is not regenerative; its target is the synovium, not the joint fluid.

A single injection is the typical treatment course in suitable patients.

Hyaluronic acid

Joint fluidResorbable HARepeat plan

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a viscous lubricating substance naturally found in joint fluid. Injected forms are usually derived from bacterial fermentation. HA injections replace and supplement the joint’s lubricating fluid for a period of weeks to months before being reabsorbed by the body.

Common UK brands include Durolane (single-dose) and Monovisc, alongside multi-dose regimens that require three to five weekly injections.

02

LOOKING AHEAD

What can you expect over time?

Arthrosamid

24-month study follow-up
An observation period, not a duration guarantee

Observed to 24 months

The prospective observational cohort reports group-level outcomes through 24 months. Without a randomised control group, so it describes the group; individual response and duration vary.

Hyaluronic acid

Response and duration vary
Agree what to expect and when to review

Around 6 months

Hyaluronic acid duration is typically around six months, though some patients report shorter or longer benefit. Whether and when to repeat treatment depends on the preparation, response and agreed plan.

Duration figures are averages from published data; not a guarantee for any individual case. The proposed treatment plan is confirmed in writing at consultation; an outcome cannot be guaranteed.

03

YOUR TREATMENT PLAN

What does the course involve?

Arthrosamid

  1. 01Clinical assessment
  2. 02Injection appointment
  3. 03Six-week review

The manufacturer describes a single 6 ml intra-articular knee injection administered by a qualified physician. The clinical plan and current London Cartilage Clinic price tier are confirmed after assessment; this page does not promote Arthrosamid for other joints.

Hyaluronic acid

  1. 01Agree the course
  2. 02Injection appointment(s)
  3. 03Review your response

Single-dose HA preparations (e.g. Durolane) require one injection. Older multi-dose preparations require three to five weekly injections per treatment course. Many patients repeat the course every six to twelve months for ongoing benefit.

04

CARE & PRECAUTIONS

Understanding the risks

BEFORE · DURING · AFTERPrecautions.
Clear advice.
Ongoing support.
Understand the pathway around the treatment.

Both treatments are delivered under ultrasound guidance at London Cartilage Clinic. The most serious risk for either includes joint infection. Sterile technique and image guidance do not eliminate risk.

Arthrosamid® carries a different risk profile because the hydrogel is non-absorbable and intended to remain in the joint. A serious infection may be harder to manage. London Cartilage Clinic uses routine IV antibiotic cover for Arthrosamid® specifically. For hyaluronic acid the antibiotic decision is made on a case-by-case basis.

See Arthrosamid® infection risk and prevention and Arthrosamid® side effects and safety for the full picture.

05

YOUR KNEE, YOUR GOALS

Where does each option fit?

A consultation to discuss the right approach for your knee
Your symptoms, scans and goals guide the decision.

Hyaluronic acid is often used as a injection option for milder knee osteoarthritis where short-to-medium-term symptom control is the goal. Arthrosamid® tends to be discussed by patients who have already tried conservative options or HA and want to consider a non-absorbable single-injection option. It is not proved to delay surgery.

Neither treatment is a substitute for knee replacement where replacement is clinically appropriate. See who is suitable for Arthrosamid? for the full suitability framework.

06

PLANNING THE COST

Compare the complete care package

Published London Cartilage Clinic prices. Compare the recommended care plan as well as the price of one procedure.

HYDROGEL INJECTION

Arthrosamid

From · one box£3,000

Two boxes £5,500; three boxes £8,000. Consultation £350 separately.

Full Arthrosamid pricing →

SINGLE INJECTION / PROCEDURE

Hyaluronic acid

LCC published price£1,200

Includes clinic and doctor’s fees, ultrasound, consumables, equipment and one follow-up with the doctor.

LCC injection prices and inclusions →

The Arthrosamid package

At London Cartilage Clinic, Arthrosamid® costs from £3,000 for one box , inclusive of ultrasound, the product, the fifteen-step injection protocol and the six-week follow-up, with the consultation (£350) charged separately. See the Arthrosamid® cost guide for two- and three-box pricing.

Budget for the agreed plan

Hyaluronic acid injection pricing depends on the brand, the number of doses required and whether ultrasound guidance is used. Multi-dose courses cost more in total than the headline single-injection price. A fair comparison should use the actual recommended course and inclusions, not assume a particular Arthrosamid response duration.

Confirm the number of procedures, any assessment fees and the complete written quote before deciding. A per-procedure price is not a promise about the number of treatments you will need.

Published LCC injection prices checked 29 October 2026. Your clinical assessment confirms the appropriate treatment and plan.

07

MAKING A RECOMMENDATION

When each option may make sense

Arthrosamid

A discussion to have

You have established knee osteoarthritis with mild-to-moderate cartilage wear.

You have tried conservative treatment or HA and want longer-acting symptom control from a single injection.

You understand that symptom management is not proved to delay surgery and accept the product-specific safety protocol.

Hyaluronic acid

A discussion to have

You are at an earlier stage of osteoarthritis and a shorter-duration option is acceptable.

You want to try a resorbable injection before accepting a non-absorbable hydrogel.

You have a clinical or personal reason to avoid material intended to remain in the joint.

08

CHOOSING ANOTHER PATH

When another approach may be better

Arthrosamid

A reason to reconsider

End-stage bone-on-bone arthritis where Arthrosamid® is unlikely to deliver meaningful benefit.

Active infection or unwillingness to accept the conservative safety protocol.

Unrealistic expectation of cure, cartilage regeneration or guaranteed permanent relief.

Hyaluronic acid

A reason to reconsider

Patients who prefer a non-absorbable single-injection option rather than repeat courses.

Where prior HA has not delivered useful benefit, repeating may not be the right next step.

End-stage arthritis where neither injection is likely to defer the need for replacement.

Discussing the right knee treatment with a clinician
YOUR KNEE. YOUR DECISION.

Bring the comparison back to you

In suitable patients with mild-to-moderate knee osteoarthritis, Arthrosamid is non-absorbable; hyaluronic acid is resorbable. Evidence, previous response, infection considerations and willingness to accept a material intended to remain in the joint matter more than a blanket “which lasts longer?” claim. The decision is made after assessment and imaging review.

Arthrosamid® vs Hyaluronic Acid

Prepare for an assessment →
YOUR QUESTIONS

Common questions, clear answers

Can I have Arthrosamid® if I have already had hyaluronic acid?

Yes, in most cases. Prior hyaluronic acid is not a contraindication to Arthrosamid®. We typically wait until the previous HA injection effects are no longer the dominant variable, but each case is decided on the imaging and clinical picture at consultation.

Is Arthrosamid® more effective than hyaluronic acid?

Available comparative evidence does not establish that Arthrosamid is generally more effective. One randomised comparison did not show a significant difference from hyaluronic acid. The decision should be individual rather than a superiority claim.

Is hyaluronic acid available on the NHS in the UK?

Hyaluronic acid is available on a limited basis through some NHS pathways but is not routinely commissioned everywhere. Arthrosamid® is not routinely funded by the NHS. Both are accessed privately at London Cartilage Clinic.

Can I switch from hyaluronic acid to Arthrosamid® if HA stops working?

Yes, this is a common reason patients consider Arthrosamid®. We will review imaging and confirm suitability — Arthrosamid® is not right for every patient, but a diminishing response to HA is a reasonable reason to discuss alternatives.

Does hyaluronic acid regenerate cartilage?

No. Hyaluronic acid is a joint lubricant. It supplements the natural fluid in the joint but does not regenerate cartilage tissue. Neither does Arthrosamid®. Both treat symptoms rather than underlying disease.

Explore related guides

Detailed information on suitability, research, and recovery to help you prepare for your consultation.

Book a discovery call
Active movement

Suitability & Assessment

Could Arthrosamid be right for your knee? How the clinic approaches treatment recommendations.
Research publication cover

Research & Results

The research behind the treatment, including the 24-month prospective cohort study.
Returning to activity

Recovery & Aftercare

Your recovery, one step at a time. Milestones, activity guidelines, and when to seek advice.
Privacy & Cookies Policy
Free Discovery Call