If you are opting for a hip replacement surgery or knee replacement surgery, you have the convenience of choosing the option of the type of implant. The choice will depend on a lot of factors like the type of alloy used in it, degree of motion supported, and cost. A young patient who wants to be physically active can choose a high flexion implant. An elderly person who wishes to engage in limited physical activities can make do with a normal implant as it supports a lower degree of motion.

Here are a few facts about Oxinium implants-

Durable 

According to an ortho doctor, these implants are known for their high durability. They can last up to 15 to 20 years. The implant is prone to normal wear and tear as time passes by. The usual movement of the knee causes leakage of metal debris into the joint region. Thus it is highly recommended that one chooses metal alloys that are strong enough to face the biological factors within the body. Such metal alloy constitutes Cobalt-Chromium and Oxinium.

History of Oxinium

It was introduced in 2003 by an established company. It uses oxidized zirconium implants for replacing joints. It can be used for various joints like the knee and hip. Total hip arthroplasty and total knee arthroplasty have been carried out in the past with the help of this technology. Oxinium occupies a special place in replacement surgeries. It is well known for its durability and high performance. The implants were developed to use a material that was less likely to disintegrate due to wear n tear. The previous implants,  which used polyethylene wear were susceptible to aseptic loosening.

Oxinium Implant Composition

Oxinium is a metal alloy that contains 97.5% Zirconium and 2.5% Niobium. These are the two most biocompatible metals known to mankind. The implant manufacturing process involves exposure of Zirconium to intense intense heat and oxygenation. This process allows the absorption of Oxygen into the Zirconium metal. The process results in a 5-micron thick ceramic surface with a core of zirconium alloy. The surface so formed is a metal substrate and should not be confused with an external coating. This surface gives excellent toughness to the implants. It lends it great resistance and toughness. It has found great application in hip replacement surgery.

Where can it be used?

It can be used in various joint replacement surgeries like knee and hips. A study conducted in 2012 found that an Oxinium implant was tough when subjected to simulated conditions which mimicked the biochemical stress an active person experiences on his knee joint. The use of Oxinium led to 55 % lower wear as compared to the CoCr group.