Arthrosamid.
WHAT IS ARTHROSAMID?
Arthrosamid is a class of injectable therapy newly available in Australia but widely used in Europe to treat knee osteoarthritis (OA), offering patients an effective alternative treatment to current therapies. Arthrosamid® is an injectable polyacrylamide hydrogel (iPAAG) for intra-articular administration. A non-biodegradable injectable implant, Arthrosamid® delivers long-acting pain relief — improving the quality of life for patients with knee osteoarthritis.
Arthrosamid is the only approved treatment globally that permanently integrates into the synovial tissue of the inner capsule and decreases joint stiffness to improve knee function.
At this point in time, Athrosamid is only available in Australia via application to the Special Access Scheme (SAS). Dr Leesa Huguenin will help submit the application, and once an approval has been received, an order for the vials will be made.
The ordering process has a quick turnaround with an expected response from the SAS within a week. Delivery of the vials is expected within 1-2 weeks of the order date.
WHY USE ARTHROSAMID?
Arthrosamid is a non-biodegradable viscoelastic hydrogel made up of 97.5% water with a 2.5% cross-linked polyacrylamide backbone and has been used for a variety of medical indications. Arthrosamid cushions the joint and delivers long-acting pain relief – it can reduce the patient’s pain, decrease stiffness, and improve function.
It has undergone over two decades of research and development, and has shown to be safe and can give long-acting relief, improving the quality of life for adults with knee osteoarthritis.
HOW DO I BOOK AN APPOINTMENT?
Contact reception to express your interest in Arthrosamid treatment, and you will be offered an appointment with Dr Leesa Huguenin. Please note, a GP referral is required.
During this consultation, Dr Leesa Huguenin will thoroughly obtain your history, and through her examinations and discussion with you, Dr Huguenin will let you know if you are suitable for this treatment.
If you are suitable and you would like to proceed, you will be offered dates for the following appointments:
Pre-procedure phone consultation:
A phone consultation is required 2 weeks prior to the injection. During this consultation, you will be prescribed antibiotics ahead of the procedure to minimise potential risk of infection. Any last-minute questions can then be asked and answered within this call. This consultation will be bulk billed under Medicare.
Procedure:
This procedure can be offered out of our Mornington or Frankston rooms. The procedure is scheduled for 60 minutes and is performed under ultrasound.
Post-procedure consultation:
This consultation will be conducted in clinic 2 weeks post procedure and is a chance for Dr Huguenin to assess your response to the treatment, discuss the next steps and answer any questions you may have. This consultation will be bulk billed under Medicare.
For further information, please contact reception.
PRICING
The cost of Arthrosamid injection for one knee is $4500.
This cost includes:
- Purchase of arthrosamid, importation duties and delivery to the clinic
- Pre injection phone review for any final questions and prescriptions of antibiotics
- The injection being performed under ultrasound in the clinic
- Post injection review at 2-3 weeks
Please note – this procedure is not currently covered by medicare or private health.