Introduction: Managing Lingering Knee Pain After Meniscectomy

Many people who undergo meniscectomy—a surgical procedure to remove torn cartilage in the knee—continue to experience ongoing knee pain and osteoarthritis (OA) symptoms. While the surgery aims to ease immediate discomfort, losing the meniscus, which acts as a natural shock absorber, often leads to persistent aches and difficulty with everyday movements like walking. Recently, Arthrosamid, a novel hydrogel injection, has gained attention as a treatment designed to relieve these chronic post-surgery symptoms. This article explores how Arthrosamid may improve joint function and reduce pain, sharing expert insights from Professor Paul Lee and highlighting the supportive care environment at the London Cartilage Clinic.

What Is Meniscectomy and How Does It Influence Osteoarthritis?

Meniscectomy involves removing part or all of the meniscus— the C-shaped cartilage cushion between the bones in the knee. This procedure is commonly recommended for meniscal tears that limit movement or cause pain. However, the meniscus’s main role is to absorb shock and spread pressure evenly across the knee joint. When it is removed, the joint experiences more stress, which can speed up cartilage wear and trigger osteoarthritis. As one study explains, “knee trauma may be the strongest risk factor for knee osteoarthritis” (Ericsson et al., 2009). Furthermore, MRI scans following acute knee injury show that “bone marrow oedema on initial MRI is strongly predictive of new onset or worsening degenerative joint changes” (Ericsson et al., 2009). This damage often leads to persistent joint pain and stiffness, making it harder for patients to move comfortably, especially when walking.

Arthrosamid: A Fresh Approach for Post-Meniscectomy Knee Issues

Arthrosamid is a biocompatible hydrogel injection designed to supplement the cushioning lost when the meniscus is removed. It works by providing extra shock absorption and smoothing joint movement. Research supports its safety and effectiveness, stating, “the intra-articular polyacrylamide hydrogel (PAAG) injection [Arthrosamid] is known to be safe and efficacious in knee osteoarthritis patients” (Gao et al., 2025a). Another study following patients for 24 months found that “PAAG improved knee OA symptoms significantly in older, non-diabetic patients with milder signs of osteoarthritis” (Gao et al., 2025b). These findings suggest that certain patients—especially those with less severe OA and specific health profiles—may benefit more from Arthrosamid. While it is not a replacement for the meniscus itself and does not cure OA, Arthrosamid offers a promising, minimally invasive option to help reduce persistent aches and aid people in regaining the ability to walk more comfortably.

Expert Care at London Cartilage Clinic: The Role of Professor Paul Lee

Navigating treatment options for post-meniscectomy OA requires expert assessment and personalised care. Professor Paul Lee, a leading cartilage specialist and Regional Surgical Ambassador associated with the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, provides expert guidance at the London Cartilage Clinic. His extensive experience in orthopaedics and rehabilitation means patients benefit from thorough evaluations and bespoke treatment plans. The clinic’s supportive environment ensures that patients receive tailored advice on Arthrosamid as well as coordinated physiotherapy and follow-up care. According to Professor Lee, managing OA after meniscal loss demands a tailored, multidisciplinary approach that combines innovative treatments like Arthrosamid with traditional therapies to optimise joint health and overall quality of life.

What Patients Should Know Before Considering Arthrosamid

If you’re thinking about Arthrosamid after meniscectomy, it’s important to be realistic about the outcomes. As one study advises, “the absence of a control group and limited outcome measures should be considered. Further studies are warranted to validate efficacy, refine patient selection, and evaluate long-term impact” (Gao et al., 2025b). Success with Arthrosamid depends on individual factors such as the extent of joint damage, general health, and lifestyle. A comprehensive assessment is essential to develop a personalised treatment plan—often involving physiotherapy and regular medical reviews—to support your recovery and maintain joint function over time. Always seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional before making decisions about your knee health.

For personalised medical advice, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

References

• Ericsson, Y., Ringsberg, K., & Dahlberg, L. (2009). Self-efficacy, physical activity and health-related quality of life in middle-aged post meniscectomy patients: A comparison to an age-matched control-group. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage, 17(S1). https://doi.org/10.1016/S1063-4584(09)60312-5
• Gao, H. C. K., Akhtar, M., Creedon, C., Nar, Ö. O., & Lee, P. Y. (2025a). The impact of patient factors on the minimal clinically important difference of Arthrosamid polyacrylamide hydrogel injection for knee osteoarthritis: A cohort study. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joca.2025.02.648
• Gao, H. C. K., Akhtar, M., Creedon, C., Nar, Ö. O., Verma, T., & Lee, P. Y. F. (2025b). Polyacrylamide hydrogel injections in knee osteoarthritis: A PROMs-based 24 month cohort study. Journal of Clinical Orthopaedics and Trauma. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcot.2025.103136