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Oxinium™
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Frequently Asked Questions
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| What are the strengths and weaknesses of
the materials currently used to produce total knee
implants?
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| To date, cobalt chrome has been the best material
for total knee femoral implants because of its strength and relative
hardness. However, studies have shown that cobalt chrome femoral
implants roughen over time. As a result, every time a roughened
femoral implant rubs against the plastic tibial bearing surface, the
plastic surface begins to wear out. Laboratory studies have
demonstrated that even a single scratch on the cobalt chrome femoral
surface increases rate of plastic wear by 10%. Over time, the
plastic surface prematurely 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 femoral implant will dramatically increase the
production of plastic wear debris, an substantially reduce the life
span of the implants.
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| What is an Oxinium total knee
replacement? |
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Oxinium is a
revolutionary new material used in the production of a total knee
femoral implant. The significant advantage of this new material over
cobalt chrome is that the Oxinium surface is considerably harder
and, therefore, much more resistant to scratches. This new material
is more "slippery" than cobalt chrome, and subsequently reduces the
friction generated between the femoral implant and the plastic
tibial bearing surface. As a result, the Oxinium total knee
replacement will not generate the quantity of plastic wear debris
that cobalt chrome will, and the implants should last considerably
longer.
| Are these the only benefits
associated with Oxinium?
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| No, there are two other important benefits of this
revolutionary new material. First, zirconium is one of the six
most biocompatible elements know to man. So, your immune
system will more easily tolerate your new implant. Second,
this new material does not contain any nickel, which is a
material known to cause allergic reactions in select patients
following total knee replacement surgery. Cobalt chrome
contains up to 1% nickel and is therefore not a good
alternative for metal-sensitive
patients.
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| Does Oxinium have a successful track
record?
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| Yes! Orthopedic surgeons have been implanting
Oxinium total knees for more than three years with great success.
Also, total hip implants made from this material have been implanted
for more than five years. In addition, Oxinium has been rigorously
tested and must pass strict quality control measures prior to
use.
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| How is Oxinium made? |
| First, the zirconium metal is shaped into a femoral
component. Second, the implant is put through a patented process
that allows oxygen to absorb into the zirconium metal. When the
surface of the metal is saturated with oxygen, it changes from a
metal to a ceramic. It is this ceramic surface that gives Oxinium
the significant advantages over cobalt chrome. Because only the
surface is changed, the rest of the femoral component is still
metal, and therefore the implant retains its overall
strength.
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Who would benefit most from an Oxinium
total knee replacement?
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Three types of patient
have been identified as the "best" candidates for an Oxinium total
knee replacement.
"Younger" patients: Because
Oxinium knee implants offer significantly less wear compared to
cobalt chrome implants, they are expected to last considerably
longer. In the past, orthopedic surgeons have advised patients under
65 years of age to wait to have knee replacement surgery because the
life span of the cobalt chrome knee implants is only 10-15 years.
Now, surgeons have a viable option for a younger patient who
previously would not be a candidate for a total knee replacement
because the Oxinium knee implants should last much longer.
Therefore, a patient under the age of 65 who has advanced arthritis
of the knee no longer has to suffer for years until he reaches an
appropriate age for total knee replacement
surgery.
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"Active" patients: Patients who
desire to return to an active lifestyle, including sports, dancing,
gardening, or other strenuous activities, may also benefit from an
Oxinium knee replacement. As a result of their high activity level,
this patient population will put more "wear and tear" on their knee
replacement, which can cause the implants to wear more quickly. An
Oxinium knee is better able to tolerate this high activity level and
last longer that the traditional cobalt chrome
knee.
Metal allergy patients: Because
Oxinium is one of the most biocompatible materials known to man, it
is the only choice for patients who exhibit metal allergies.
Patients who have needed total knee replacement surgery, but could
not tolerate the cobalt chrome implants due to their nickel content,
can now have the surgery they need to return to an active lifestyle
without the fear of an allergic reaction.
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| How can I learn more about this new technology and
how can I find a doctor in my area who uses
Oxinium?
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| www.oxinium.com
www.smithnephew.com/US/node.asp?NodeId=2863
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