OXINIUMSNTM Hips and Knees

Smith & Nephew

A common issue with hip and knee replacements is what surgeons refer to as "wear." As the new surfaces of the implant rub together—up to 2 million times per year in active adults—friction occurs. Friction causes tiny fragments of plastic and metal material to rub off of the surfaces, thus wearing down the implant. Tiny fragments in the joint also lead to scratches on the surfaces, which in turn increases the creation of more plastic and metal fragments—not unlike the action of a fingernail file.

The biologic reaction to the tiny fragments of plastic and metal is a main reason why hip and knee implants can "fail," and why a patient may undergo repeat surgery years after the original procedure.
At Smith & Nephew, we worked for more than a decade developing a new technology that addresses this problem for the tens of thousands of young, active patients who need a hip or knee implant that can support their adventurous spirit. In 2001, we introduced our exclusive OXINIUM oxidized zirconium for knee replacements; and in 2003 this material was introduced for use in hip replacements.

OXINIUM material—a metal alloy with the surface transformed to ceramic using a patented process—has proven to be a superior metal for use in hip and knee implants due to its reduced friction and increased resistance to scratching and abrasion. These superior properties result in significantly less wear than can be produced by cobalt-chrome alloy (historically the material of choice in hip and knee implants).

Some facts that may interest you:

OXINIUM material has a surface hardness that is over twice that of cobalt-chrome. OXINIUM material may last longer than other implants as it reduces more than half of the implant wear common to other knees and hips based on lab simulator studies.

OXINIUM material avoids the risk of brittle fracture that can occur with ceramic implants. OXINIUM material is 20% lighter than cobalt-chrome.

OXINIUM material contains no detectable nickel, the leading cause of negative reactions in patients with metal allergies.

Not every orthopaedist uses Smith & Nephew knee and hip implants made with OXINIUM technology.