Harley Street, London | Led by Professor Paul YF Lee
Arthrosamid® (a registered trademark of Contura A/S.).
Relief & Protect
Reviewed byProfessor Paul YF Lee MBBch, FRCS (Tr & Orth), PhDCartilage and joint preservation expertiseQuick answer
Arthrosamid® is a non-absorbable hydrogel intended for symptomatic knee osteoarthritis in adults. It is given as a single 6 ml intra-articular injection by a qualified physician. Published 24-month evidence from London Cartilage Clinic and MSK Doctors reports improvements in pain and knee function across 269 patients and 314 treated knees. Individual assessment determines whether the treatment is a reasonable option.
1,200+
Clinic treatment volume as of August 2026. This figure counts injections, not unique patients, and is separate from the published 269-patient research cohort.
Research involving Professor Paul YF Lee
These papers play different roles. The 2025 cohort is the clinic’s largest real-world study; the 2022 review summarises earlier evidence; the case report describes one patient and cannot establish general effectiveness.
Journal of Clinical Orthopaedics and Trauma
Professor Paul YF Lee is a co-author; the cohort included London clinic data.
269 patients · 314 knees · 24 months · no randomised control group
Read the full cohort paper
Medical Research Archives
Professor Paul YF Lee is a co-author.
Five early reports · 463 combined patient outcomes · evidence available to April 2022
Read the systematic review
Journal of Arthritis
Professor Paul YF Lee is a co-author.
One 81-year-old patient · imaging and symptoms reviewed at four months
See the evidence contextArthrosamid® at London Cartilage Clinic
Am I Suitable?
Answer eight short questions on the dedicated assessment page to organise the information relevant to your consultation. The questionnaire is a decision aid and does not diagnose knee pain or confirm treatment suitability.
Start the Suitability AssessmentArthrosamid® is a long-acting injection used to manage symptoms of knee osteoarthritis.
In London, Arthrosamid® treatment is led by Professor Paul YF Lee, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon and medical engineer. His personal credentials and relevant publications are attributable through his canonical professional profile.
Assessment considers the diagnosis, current imaging, medical history, treatment goals and whether another injection or surgical opinion would be more appropriate.
Arthrosamid® is made from a polyacrylamide hydrogel, a non-biodegradable, biocompatible material designed to remain inside the knee joint.
Unlike steroid or hyaluronic acid injections, Arthrosamid®:
It does not regenerate cartilage and is not a cure for arthritis.
Inside the joint, Arthrosamid®:
It may be considered as a non-surgical symptom-management option for an appropriately selected adult with knee osteoarthritis. It has not been proved to preserve cartilage or delay surgery.
Arthrosamid® is not a routine injection. Outcomes depend heavily on patient selection.
You may be a good candidate if:
You have mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis
You are middle-aged or older
You do not have diabetes
Both knees are symptomatic and being treated
You want improvement, not complete cure
You understand that symptom management is not proved to delay knee replacement
We assess suitability using a structured Arthrosamid® suitability framework, considering clinical assessment, imaging, medical history and patient goals.
Arthrosamid® may be less effective if:
Your arthritis is advanced or bone-on-bone
The knee is severely unstable or deformed
You are already close to needing knee replacement
You expect a single injection to 'fix' the knee completely
In these cases, benefit may be limited or temporary, and alternatives are discussed openly to ensure you receive the most appropriate care for your specific condition.
The peer-reviewed London Cartilage Clinic/MSK Doctors publication reports a prospective observational cohort. It has no randomised control group, so association should not be presented as proof that the injection caused the observed changes. Funding and declarations should be read study by study in the linked publications.
This allows us to give real-world, balanced advice, rather than relying on promotional claims.
Choosing Where To Have Arthrosamid®
Seven things that distinguish Arthrosamid® at London Cartilage Clinic from a generic injection appointment.
Patients searching for the best Arthrosamid injection clinic should compare treatment volume, published evidence, injection technique, infection-prevention procedures, patient selection and structured follow-up. London Cartilage Clinic was the first UK clinic to provide Arthrosamid injections and has performed more than 1,200 injections as of August 2026.
Meet Professor LeeEvery patient is assessed by Professor Lee in person. The clinician you see at consultation is the clinician who delivers the injection. No hand-off to a less experienced operator.
Who is suitable?Every Arthrosamid® injection is delivered under real-time ultrasound guidance, not by anatomical landmark alone. Guidance helps visualise the needle and joint; it does not guarantee placement, safety or outcome.
How treatment worksThe peer-reviewed cohort reports 269 patients and 314 knees over 24 months. Its observational design and lack of a control group are stated clearly.
See the evidenceThe clinic's documented infection-prevention protocol includes antibiotic cover and sterile-field measures. No protocol can eliminate infection risk.
Infection protocolFixed pricing from £3,000, inclusive of consultation, ultrasound, the product, the protocol and the six-week follow-up. No surprise add-ons.
See Arthrosamid costSix-week clinical review included as standard, with onward physiotherapy guidance and a direct line to the team during recovery. Aftercare is part of the treatment, not an add-on.
Free discovery callThe published London Cartilage Clinic/MSK Doctors cohort reports:
Patients followed
prospective observational cohort
Knees followed
through 24 months
Intravenous (IV) antibiotics for every injection
No oral antibiotics (due to variable absorption)
Ultrasound-guided intra-articular placement
Enhanced sterile technique
A documented clinic injection protocol
Some aspects of this protocol are intentionally not shared, as they form part of our internal safety practice.
Professor Paul YF Lee explains how assessment, sterile preparation, ultrasound guidance and aftercare contribute to the treatment pathway. None of these factors guarantees an individual outcome.
Ultrasound guidance helps the clinician visualise the joint and needle in real time. It does not guarantee placement or treatment outcome.
Treatment is overseen by multi-disciplinary experts specialising in cartilage repair and joint preservation.
Beyond the injection, we provide a bespoke rehabilitation protocol to maximize your long-term mobility.
Access world-class clinical facilities in the heart of London’s premier medical district.
Infection is a risk with any joint injection.
With Arthrosamid®, infection is a particularly serious issue because the material is non-absorbable and intended to remain in the joint.
Historical Complications in Literature:
There are published medical papers describing complications from related polyacrylamide hydrogel products (often under the name Aquamid), mainly relating to:
These are not directly comparable to modern, image-guided knee injections, but they are important context and are discussed openly. Patients who wish to read this literature can be directed to the paper.
Comparing Arthrosamid® with traditional knee injection protocols to help you make an informed clinical decision.
Typical Duration
Studied to 24 months
Relief Type
Symptom management
Key Considerations
Mixed clinical evidence regarding long-term efficacy.
Temporary symptom relief, variable benefit.
Short-term acute relief only.
*Duration of efficacy varies by individual patient factors, severity of osteoarthritis, and clinical indications. Please consult with our medical team for a personalised assessment.
Arthrosamid® injections are performed by Professor Paul YF Lee at specialist clinics in Harley Street, London.
Patients are referred nationally and internationally for Professor Lee’s experience in complex knee osteoarthritis and joint preservation.
Arthrosamid® can be an excellent option for the right patient, but it requires:
If these principles align with your goals, Arthrosamid® may be appropriate.
Common Questions About Arthrosamid®
Six of the most common questions patients ask about Arthrosamid®. For the full patient FAQ, see the full Arthrosamid® patient FAQ.
Arthrosamid at London Cartilage Clinic costs from £3,000 for one box, £5,500 for two boxes, or £8,000for three boxes. Each price includes the items shown in the clinic's current package: consultation, ultrasound, the Arthrosamid product, antibiotic protocol and a six-week follow-up. The number of boxes is decided after assessment rather than assumed from symptoms. See the Arthrosamid cost guide for full pricing detail.
Arthrosamid is not routinely available through NHS pathways. Private insurance cover depends on the individual policy and pre-authorisation, so patients should obtain a written decision from their insurer. London Cartilage Clinic also offers self-funded care. Read the full Arthrosamid funding and insurance guide.
A prospective observational cohort reported group-level improvements in pain and function among 269 patients (314 knees) followed for 24 months. There was no randomised control group, so the study cannot prove that Arthrosamid caused the changes or predict an individual result. See the Arthrosamid clinical evidence page for the study table, limitations and review guidance.
Reported side effects include short-term injection-site pain, swelling and stiffness. The most serious risks include joint infection. The clinic uses ultrasound guidance, sterile technique and its documented antibiotic protocol, but these measures cannot eliminate risk. See side effects and safety and infection risk and prevention for the full picture.
The London Cartilage Clinic/MSK Doctors observational cohort reports group-level outcomes through 24 months. That is an observed study period, not a guaranteed treatment duration. Improvement may develop over the following weeks, and the clinic reviews the early response at around six weeks. Arthrosamid does not regenerate cartilage or cure osteoarthritis.
Arthrosamid at London Cartilage Clinic is delivered by Professor Paul YF Lee, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon. His relevant professional credentials and publications are linked through the reviewed-by attribution on this page. Suitability is decided through consultation, clinical assessment and imaging review rather than a questionnaire or activity total.
Long-lasting relief starts with the right decision — not just an injection.
