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Top 10 Key Facts -
Oxinium™ Hip Replacement

Reduce Wear Not Strength With Oxinium™ Femoral heads

Compared to traditional cobalt chrome and ceramic implants, Oxinium™ is stronger, harder wearing, less likely to break or fail due to wear and tear and can be successfully used for the higher demand younger patient- a group of patients not usually considered for a hip replacement until later in life.

Oxinium™ is:

  1. 4,900 times more resistant to abrasion than cobalt chrome for superior durability over time.
  2. 160 times smoother than cobalt chrome.
  3. 97.5% zirconium and 2.5% niobium - two of the most biocompatible metals known. This allows for a 5-micron thick ceramic surface for enhanced bearing properties, maintaining a metal core to retain strength.
  4. More than twice as hard as cobalt chrome, which directly correlates with an increase in resistance to scratching.
  5. Has less wear than traditional femoral heads (cobalt chrome) due to a unique process where the surface of zirconium metal alloy is transformed into Oxinium™ by a process that allows oxygen to absorb into the alloy. The process changes only the surface from a metal to a smooth ceramic. The rest of the implant remains metal to maintain its overall strength.
  6. Has a friction rate half that of cobalt chrome, which results in a dramatic decrease in wear. The ceramic surface reduces friction between the implant device and the polyethylene (plastic) component or cartilage, meaning less potential for wear and a device that should last longer.
  7. Has huge flexibility in the number of implant sizes - 60 combinations for every cup size (liner) compared to only 3 with ceramic implants. This maximises the intra-operative options and minimises the risk of dislocation and leg length discrepancies.
  8. Oxinium™ partners well with a new type of polyethylene cup or liner (for the acetabulum socket). Reflection XLPE is available in multiple sizes allowing for more options and less wear without the risks associated with more traditional bearing surfaces- A winning combination for surgeons and patients.
  9. Suitable for the higher demand younger patient (under 60 years) due to Oxinium's strength and longevity properties through less wear and tear. Therefore, the need for revision surgery later in life is reduced.
  10. Contains no detectable nickel - the leading reputed cause of negative reactions in patients with metal allergies.