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Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Why is Oxinium™ something I should ask my surgeon about?
  2. What is "wear" in joint replacements?
  3. I didn't realize that an implant undergoes friction and scratching. What does this do to an implant?
  4. How long will an Oxinium™ joint replacement last?
  5. I am in pain, but my orthopaedic surgeon has advised me to wait for my replacement because I'm too young - why will an Oxinium™ joint replacement be different?
  6. Are Oxinium™ replacements proven?

1. Why is Oxinium™ something I should ask my surgeon about?

Oxinium™ (oxidized zirconium) is a revolutionary new material used in the production of components of knee and hip implants that exhibits superior performance characteristics over commonly used cobalt chrome due to its superior hardness, smoothness and resistance to scratching and abrasion. It actually incorporates the best features of all other available material options (ceramic and cobalt chrome) without the risks associated with either.

2. What is "wear" in joint replacements?

A common issue with knee or hip replacements is what surgeons refer to as "wear". Any time two moving parts (like the two parts in your knee joint or hip socket) rub against each other repeatedly, friction occurs and tiny scratches can result, causing tiny fragments of material to shear off over time. This effect - not unlike the action of a nail file - is a main reason a joint may "fail" and an individual will undergo repeat surgery.

3. I didn't realize that an implant undergoes friction and scratching. What does this do to an implant?

To date, cobalt chrome has been the material of choice for joint implants because of its strength and relative hardness. However, studies have shown that cobalt chrome implants roughen over time when implanted in your body. As a result, every time a roughened replacement component rubs against the plastic bearing surface, the plastic surface begins to wear out. Laboratory studies have demonstrated that even a single scratch on the cobalt chrome surface can increase the rate of plastic wear by 10 times. Over time, the plastic surface wears out, and additional surgery is necessary to replace the worn implants. Recent studies have proven through controlled wear testing that a "scratched" or "roughened" cobalt chrome implant will dramatically increase the production of plastic wear debris, and substantially reduce the life span of an implant.

4. How long will an Oxinium™ joint replacement last?

Laboratory wear testing has indicated that Oxinium™ implants demonstrate the scratch and wear resistance necessary to be longer -lasting - especially as compared to traditional artificial knee and hip joints. The smooth, hard surface of an Oxinium™ implant is the result of a process that allows oxygen to absorb into zirconium metal, which changes only its surface from a metal to ceramic. The ceramic surface makes Oxinium™ implants 4,900 times more abrasion resistant than cobalt chrome. It also reduces friction between the implant and the plastic or cartilage surfaces. The result is superior durability over time.

5. I am in pain, but my orthopaedic surgeon has advised me to wait for my replacement because I'm too young - why will an Oxinium™ joint replacement be different?

In the past, orthopaedic surgeons have advised patients under 65 years of age to wait to have joint replacement surgery because the life span of traditional cobalt chrome implants is limited. Now, with a potentially long-lasting Oxinium™ knee or hip implant, surgeons have a viable option for a younger patient who previously would not have been a candidate for a joint replacement. Therefore, a younger patient who has advanced arthritis no longer has to suffer for years until he or she reaches an appropriate age for joint replacement surgery.

Patients who desire to return to an active lifestyle, which can include low demand sports, dancing, gardening, or other activities, may also benefit from Oxinium™ replacements. They can have more confidence in the longevity of the device since the Oxinium™ material demonstrates such low wear rates. The Oxinium™ implants are better able to tolerate activity and should last longer than the traditional joint replacements.

6. Are Oxinium™ replacements proven?

Yes, orthopaedic surgeons have been using cemented Oxinium™ joint replacements for more than eight years, in over 20,000 patients, with great success. In addition, the Oxinium™ material and Oxinium™ joint replacements have been rigorously tested to meet regulatory and testing guidelines and must pass strict quality control measures prior to use.

See the Questions to ask your surgeon