Questions about OXINIUM
Questions about Hip Replacement
Questions about OXINIUM
What is OXINIUM Oxidized Zirconium and should I ask my surgeon about it?
OXINIUM Oxidized Zirconium is nothing short of revolutionary. This new material is used to produce components of hip implants and is vastly superior to commonly used cobalt chrome surfaces. Due to its superior hardness, smoothness and resistance to scratching and abrasion, it actually incorporates the best features of all available material options (both ceramic and cobalt chrome) with fewer material related risks. All of which makes for a potentially longer-lasting, superior performance.
How do scratching and friction affect a hip implant?
Traditionally, cobalt chrome has been the material of choice for hip implants because of its strength and relative hardness. However, studies have shown that cobalt chrome implants have a tendency to roughen over time when implanted in the body. Thus, when a roughened joint replacement rubs against a plastic bearing surface, the plastic wears out. In fact, laboratory studies show that even a single scratch on a cobalt chrome surface can increase the rate of plastic wear 10 times. Over time, the plastic surface simply wears out and additional surgery is then needed to replace the worn implants. Studies conducted recently have proven through controlled wear testing that a scratched or roughened cobalt chrome implant will dramatically increase production of plastic wear debris and reduce the life span of the hip implant.
How long will an OXINIUM hip replacement last?
According to laboratory wear testing, OXINIUM implants demonstrate the scratch and wear resistance necessary to be potentially longer lasting as compared to traditional artificial hip joints. The smooth, hard surface of an OXINIUM implant is not a coating, but the result of a process which allows oxygen to absorb into zirconium metal, which changes only the surface from metal to ceramic. The ceramic surface makes OXINIUM implants 4,900 times more abrasion resistant than cobalt chrome. It also reduces friction between the implant and the plastic surface for superior durability over time.
I am in pain, but my orthopaedic surgeon has advised me to wait for my hip replacement because I am too young. Why will an OXINIUM hip replacement be different?
Oftentimes in the past, orthopaedic surgeons have advised patients under 65 years of age to wait to have hip replacement surgery for one reason; the life span of traditional cobalt chrome implants is limited. With the new potentially longer-lasting OXINIUM hip implant, surgeons have a viable option for a younger patient who may not have been a hip replacement candidate in the past. Therefore, a younger patient with advanced arthritis no longer has to suffer for years until he or she reaches an appropriate age for joint replacement surgery.
In addition, patients who want to return to an active lifestyle which can include low-impact activities like dancing, gardening and stationary cycling, may also benefit from OXINIUM hip replacements due to the fact that they are better able to tolerate activity and may last longer than traditional joint replacements.
Are people who are nickel sensitive candidates for OXINIUM hip implants?
There is no detectable nickel in the OXINIUM material, the leading cause of negative reactions in patients with metal allergies. The OXINIUM material is one of the most biocompatible metals known to man and most immune systems are able to tolerate the new implant. Furthermore, OXINIUM is the only orthopaedic metal that does not contain nickel. Patients who have needed hip replacement surgery but could not tolerate the nickel content of traditional implants may now have the surgery they need with less fear of an allergic reaction.
What is the OXINIUM material and how is it made?
First, the zirconium alloy metal is shaped into an implant component. Secondly, the implant is put through a patented process which allows oxygen to absorb into the zirconium metal. Then, once the surface of the metal is saturated with oxygen, it changes from metal to ceramic. This ceramic surface gives the OXINIUM material significant advantages over cobalt chrome. And because only the surface is changed, the rest of the component is still metal and retains its overall strength.
Questions about Hip Replacement
How do I know if I need a total hip replacement?
If pain is preventing you from walking or performing daily activities and conservative measures have failed to give you adequate relief, it may be time to discuss total hip replacement surgery with your orthopaedic surgeon.
How old is the average patient for total hip replacement?
The average total hip replacement patient is between 65-70 years of age. However, recent improvements in implant material and design now allow younger, more active patients to receive a total hip replacement and achieve good long-term functional outcomes.
How long is the hospital stay for total hip replacement?
The normal hospital stay for total hip replacement surgery is three to five days. However, it’s important to keep in mind that healing and recovery times vary from patient to patient.
How soon can I return to normal activities after hip replacement surgery?
Most patients are able to walk with the help of a cane within six weeks after surgery. You should also be able to drive a car within four to six weeks after surgery. After fully recovering from total hip replacement surgery some restrictions may still apply. Normal, low-impact activities like walking, swimming, dancing, golf and bicycling are all appropriate. It is important to continue to work on your range of motion for your hip, as well as strengthen your leg muscles.
What about pain associated with total hip replacement surgery?
With today’s advanced medications, you will be kept comfortable after surgery. And any temporary discomfort you may feel should not compare to the level of arthritis pain many people endure for months and years prior to having total hip replacement surgery.
What activities should I avoid after total hip replacement surgery?
Namely, any activities that involve stopping and starting fast, twisting or high-impact loading activities like running, skiing or singles tennis. You should also avoid heavy lifting and repetitive bending and squatting.
Will my new hip replacement set off a metal detector?
It is unlikely that your implant will set off a metal detector. However, if it does, notify the security guard and they will pass a hand-held unit over the hip to verify.
