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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 June 23, 2002
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