Oxinium Implant: A longer-lasting alternative for
hip and knee replacement Surgery
Dr B.R.Prashanth, Joint Replacement Surgeon, Narayana Surgical
Hospital, NH Mysore
As a person suffering from osteoarthritis or another form of degenerative joint
disease, there is a strong possibility that one day you may need knee or hip
replacement surgery to relieve pain and improve your mobility.
Total Hip and knee replacements have seen a wide spectrum of implants over
the past few decades catering to a multitude of function requirements and
simulating the complex anatomy of the knee and Hip. Oxinium, Oxidized
Zirconium is revolutionary to the Orthopaedic speciality. British
company Smith & Nephew developed this new industry defining metallic alloy
in response to the orthopaedic quest for implants with less wear and tear.
After eleven years of development and biomechanical testing, to meet
regulatory guidelines and quality control measures, the Oxinium implants are
now available to patients in India.
Dr Prashanth & team performing the Oxinium Knee
replacement Surgery
What is OXINIUM?
OXINIUM, Oxidized Zirconium is a metal alloy consisting of 97.5%
zirconium and 2.5% niobium, two of the most biocompatible metals known to
man. Oxinium is formed by bringing changes to zirconium alloy metal when it
is shaped into its final form. The implant is put through a process involving
extreme heat and oxygenation that allows oxygen to absorb into the zirconium
metal. When the surface of the metal is saturated with oxygen, it transforms
from a metal to a ceramic. The ultimate product is a 5-micron thick ceramic
surface on a core of metal. The ceramic is an enhanced surface that is part of
the metal substrate rather than an external coating, making it very durable
with unusual damage tolerance. Oxinium material combines the best of both
metal and ceramics. It is a metal, with excellent fracture toughness like cobalt
chrome, but it has a ceramic surface that offers outstanding wear resistance.
Short stay Oxinium Knee replacement, Discharge in 2 days
Advantages of Oxinium Hip and knee system
in joint replacement
1. Durability: The significant advantage of an
Oxinium implant is that it is considerably harder.
The forces generated as a knee or hip goes
through its range of motion require a strong
material that can withstand repeated sliding and
rotating. High fatigue strength and toughness are
needed. Its high surface hardness minimizes
abrasive scratching. This scratch resistance
makes the oxinium implant durable and is suitable
for young and active patients.
2. Wear resistance: The leading problem confronting orthopaedic surgeons
and manufacturers is the generation of wear debris, particularly polyethylene
wear. The total knee implant can roughen over time when placed in the body.
In the knee when the femoral component rubs over the plastic (polyethylene)
insert, the plastic surface can start to wear out or break up. The rougher the
femoral surface the worse the amount of wear. These plastic wear particles or
‘debris’ can be responsible for the failure of the whole knee replacement not
only due to the thinning of the plastic insert itself but also due to the body’s
reaction to the microscopic particles which can cause loosening and thinning
of bone at the implant interface. The improved wear performance of Oxidized
Zirconium is partly due to the ionic character of its ceramic surface that
enhances wetability. Surfaces that attract more lubricating fluid and remain
smooth tend to result in less friction. Due to this characteristic of the ceramic
coating of the oxinium knee there is much lower potential for adhesive
wear. With this material’s resistance to abrasion and anticipated longevity,
patients can once again enjoy an active lifestyle for nearly thirty years with
oxinium implants when compared to the regularly used Cobalt chromium.
3. Biocompatibility OXINIUM is the best choice in joint replacement
materials for patients who exhibit metal allergies. OXINIUM implants contain
no detectable nickel, the main cause of negative reactions
in patients with metal allergies. Zirconium is one of the most biocompatible
metals known to man; therefore, patients with metal allergies especially to
nickel are able to tolerate this new implant.
Orthopaedic surgeons outside India have been using Oxinium implants for
over 5 years with great success. Oxinium is a superior implant that is
expected to last longer and will allow active, younger patients to benefit
much earlier from a replacement knee or Hip. This in turn will reduce the
amount of suffering a patient often experiences due to a painful knee.
Patients, who desire to return to an active lifestyle, also benefit from an
Oxinium knee or Hip replacement. With the expected longevity of the implant
ceramic coated knee implants are expected to outlive the patient! Since the
oxinium implant has recently been available in India, it is a boon for younger
arthritic patients who need a knee or Hip replacement Surgery. Dr
B.R.Prashanth, Joint Replacement Surgeon and his team have been regularly
performing these and further information from: 9845511760 or e mail:
orthoprash@yahoo.co.uk