The most common question after we explain what Arthrosamid is: “How much does it cost?” It is, to be direct, not a cheap treatment. At most specialist musculoskeletal (MSK) clinics in the UK, you’re looking at somewhere between £2,500 and £3,500 for a single injection. That figure tends to land with an almighty thud when people hear it for the first time.
But the cost question is rarely as simple as the number in isolation. The more useful question is what you’re comparing it against — not just as a monetary figure, but the value in time, repeated clinic visits, and the cumulative effect of treatments and interventions that haven’t held.
What does an Arthrosamid injection cost in the UK?
At most specialist MSK clinics in the UK, the price ranges from approximately £2,500 to £3,500. At Physio & More in Kingston, all Arthrosamid injections are performed through a service supervised by Dr Robert Henderson, a consultant MSK radiologist specialising in diagnostic ultrasound and ultrasound-guided injection procedures. The package includes an initial consultation, diagnostic ultrasound of the knee, the injection itself, and a follow-up appointment.
For comparison: a single ultrasound-guided steroid injection at a private clinic typically runs £280 to £600, whilst a viscosupplementation injection (Ostenil, Durolane, or Sinovial) costs £350 to £1,200 per treatment cycle. Arthrosamid is considerably more expensive upfront — but it is designed to be a single procedure rather than a repeating treatment every 8–12 months, which changes the comparison once you factor in time.
Why does Arthrosamid cost more than other injections?
There are three main factors:
The product itself carries a high manufacturing cost. Arthrosamid is a patented injectable hydrogel — for brevity, its composition is 97.5% sterile water and 2.5% cross-linked polyacrylamide, manufactured under pharmaceutical-grade conditions. The vial cost is considerably higher than a standard steroid preparation, and that flows through to the procedure price.
It requires real-time ultrasound guidance throughout. Arthrosamid cannot be delivered blind as it must be delivered precisely within the synovial joint space using continuous ultrasound guidance. This requires specialist training in both MSK ultrasound imaging and interventional techniques.
The clinical development programme was substantial. The HIDRA trial tracked patients over three years. Building that robust evidence base takes time and resources, and those costs are priced into the product.
Is Arthrosamid available on the NHS?
Arthrosamid is not currently funded by the NHS as a routine treatment for knee osteoarthritis. NICE has not yet issued a recommendation for routine commissioning. The clinical evidence is genuine and the product is CE marked — but the NHS pathway requires a full health technology appraisal before any new treatment is made available, and that process is slow for any novel device.
Does private health insurance cover Arthrosamid?
It depends on your policy. Some insurers — Bupa, AXA Health, Vitality — will cover injection procedures for joint conditions, but coverage depends on your specific terms and whether the procedure is pre-authorised.
Ask your insurer specifically whether ultrasound-guided intra-articular injection of a polyacrylamide hydrogel for knee osteoarthritis is covered, and get confirmation in writing before proceeding.
Is the upfront cost worth it?
Steroid injections are effective but temporary. Most patients get 6–12 weeks of meaningful relief and return two to three times a year. At £250 to £600 per injection, that’s £500 to £1,800 annually — and response often diminishes with repeated use.
Arthrosamid is non-biodegradable. The HIDRA trial showed sustained pain relief and improved function held over a full three-year follow-up. The current evidence base does not identify a point at which the injection wears off.
That said: Arthrosamid is not suitable for everyone. It works best in mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis where meaningful joint space remains. We discuss this honestly at the initial consultation and will tell you clearly if we don’t think the procedure is likely to give you good value.
What’s included in the Arthrosamid package at Physio & More?
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Initial review: Dr Henderson reviews your clinical history, existing imaging, and confirms suitability.
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Consultation: Before you attend the clinic, you will have a thorough phone consultation with the proceduralist regarding the procedure itself, the necessary pre-procedure preparation and what to expect following the procedure.
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Antibiotics: A script for prophylactic antibiotics will be provided, which is to be taken on the morning prior to the treatment.
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Diagnostic ultrasound scan: Real-time imaging of the knee to assess joint space and plan placement.
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The Arthrosamid injection: Performed under continuous ultrasound guidance by a specialist MSK proceduralist.
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Follow-up appointment: Typically at 6–8 weeks to review your response.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Arthrosamid cost in the UK in 2026?
Typically £2,500 to £3,500 at specialist MSK clinics.
No — not currently funded by the NHS.
Why is it more expensive than a steroid injection?
High manufacturing cost, specialist ultrasound-guided delivery, and designed as a single long-term treatment rather than something repeated every few months.
Some policies do. Contact your insurer directly and ask specifically. Pre-authorisation is usually required.
What if I don’t respond?
Around 15–20% of patients don’t achieve significant benefit — we discuss this at consultation. The hydrogel remains in the joint without causing harm and does not prevent other treatments, including joint replacement if it eventually comes to that.