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New Oxinium™ femoral components for total knee replacement have been introduced by Smith & Nephew, an advanced medical devices company.
The femorals (thigh replacements), made out of an exclusive oxidized zirconium material, are now available in either a posterior-stabilized (stabilized from the back) or macrotextured option.
The posterior-stabilized femoral component requires minimal bone removal and features an optimized kneecap groove that is longer than most posterior-stabilized designs, allowing for better kneecap control.
The macrotextured femoral component features a roughened, three-dimensional contour to the surface of the implant that is used for bonding. A chemical photo-etching process creates a highly controlled and reproducible surface that has been engineered for optimum placement. The surface is not a coating but an integral part of the base metal.
"We are now able to serve a much larger portion of the total knee market with an oxidized zirconium option as we work to incorporate this exclusive, wear-reducing material into the many orthopedic applications where metal articulates on plastic," said David Illingworth, President of Smith & Nephew Orthopedics.
The new femorals have been shown in knee simulator wear testing to reduce polyethylene wear by 85 percent compared to cobalt chrome. Because the wear reduction potentially extends the life of the implant, many surgeons are choosing the Oxinium femoral components for their younger, more active patients.
The new Oxinium components are currently being released on a limited basis, but will be more widely available by the end of 2002.
Source: Medical Week staff, week of July 7, 2002
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