An Inspiring Panel Of Speakers Lead The Debate About The Benefits Of Hydrogel

Team Trinity was excited to attend an engaging and informative ‘breakout symposium’ at the 2023 British Association for Surgery of the Knee (BASK) annual conference on May 16, addressing a room of more than 100 delegates about the benefits of the single injection of 6 ml 2.5% polyacrylamide hydrogel, Arthrosamid to treat patients with knee osteoarthritis.

Hosted by  polyacrylamide hydrogel technology specialists Contura Orthopaedics Ltd, the medical education session was chaired by leading orthopaedic surgeon, James Murray (currently based at The Avon Orthopaedic Centre in Southmead Hospital, North Bristol NHS Trust) and also welcomed Danish Rheumatologist and acclaimed researcher, Professor Henning Bliddal; Contura’s Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. Ieva Ankorina Stark and London-based Orthopaedic Surgeon, Mark Webb (St. George’s University Hospital).

The panelists included ex-Olympic swimmer and world-renowned broadcaster Sharron Davies MBE. During the session, Sharron shared details of her journey of overcoming the pain and discomfort she experienced caused by knee osteoarthritis. She spoke of how her orthopaedic consultant, Professor Paul Lee, mentioned she could be eligible for the pioneering and non-invasive treatment (offering long-lasting pain relief and helping to delay the need for surgery). Since having the injection in September 2022, Sharron’s recovery has been swift and positive; she has joined Contura Orthopaedics as an Ambassador for Arthrosamid®.

Sharron Davies MBE adds, “I’ve had more than 40 years of training, and competed in the world’s biggest competition, and so I know what’s required to help maintain a healthy body and mind. Throughout my life I’ve continued to fuel my passion for health and fitness – with a varied programme including weight training, strength and conditioning, cycling, horse riding and dog walking. A few years back I also suffered a serious accident. Recovery was slow and despite returning to full fitness, I continued to have problems with stiffness and pain in my right knee. Being offered this injection has been great, as much for my mental wellbeing as physically – as sport and fitness is such an important part of my life. I couldn’t believe how quick the procedure was, with very little discomfort and limited downtime. I was able to drive immediately. Pain can be really draining emotionally. Now, thanks to Arthrosamid®, I feel more able to do the things I love with less pain. I’m very glad I gave it a try.”

Speaking after the lively and informative session – which saw numerous questions fielded from a wide range of delegates and orthopaedic professionals – CEO of Contura International Ltd, Rakesh Tailor, comments; “It was such a privilege to be a part of this exciting breakout session at BASK 2023 and to host a ‘standing room only’ event which was testament to the current levels of interest and enthusiasm around Arthrosamid®.

“The volume of challenging and inspiring questions posed to our expert panel also highlighted the current unmet need for innovative and new, non-invasive treatment options for knee osteoarthritis, in both the UK and international market, to provide an evidence-based alternative to total knee replacement.

The ensuing discussion was so encouraging for me and my team, who are all committed to the wider roll-out of Arthrosamid® and the ongoing investment into research and the publication of long-term data to further support the efficacy and safety profile of the hydrogel.

Rakesh adds; “Patient experience and positive patient outcome is always our priority and at the heart of everything we do and therefore it was an absolute honour to welcome our Ambassador, Sharron Davies to the podium, who spoke so eloquently and with great knowledge and passion about her own treatment pathway.

Consisting of 2.5% cross-linked polyacrylamide and 97.5% non-pyrogenic water, a single 6ml dose of Arthrosamid® is injected into the joint space, becoming embedded in the synovial membrane¹ and can relieve pain in one single treatment². Patients can expect to see improved mobility and pain relief within a few weeks². Interestingly, the development of Arthrosamid® followed impressive clinical data with Arthramid® Vet, a related product of the company, in the treatment of lameness in horses.

As part of Contura’s attendance at the 2-day conference, the team also met many delegates who visited the Arthrosamid® exhibitor’sstand throughout the event, where they were delighted to answer further questions about the product (including costs, availability and positive patient outcomes) as well as signposting those interested to published research, reinforcing the efficacy of the medical device, Arthrosamid® and exciting long-term data.

See more information here about the Agency’s work with Medical devices.