Oxinium knee replacement for young patients with osteoarthritis
Total knee replacement is usually performed on older patients with osteoarthritis. For the first time in India, a new prosthesis will be introduced for young osteoarthritis patients. This prosthesis made of a wonderful material called Zirconium, a ceramic-coated metal ensures greater survival of the prosthesis after implantation. The introduction of this prosthesis is expected to encourage more young and middle-aged Indians and Westerners to undergo knee replacement in India.
Advantages of Zirconium
1) The great advantage of zirconia knee implants is that they are considerably harder. In tests, it lasts 85 times longer in tests simulating the stresses inside the actual knee. Additional advantages are scratch resistance.
2) When wet, ceramic can glide smoothly along plastic, allowing for smoother movement than metal on plastic. As a result, the Oxinium total knee replacement will not generate the amount of plastic wear debris that cobalt chrome will, and the implants should last considerably longer. Zirconium is one of the six most biocompatible elements known to man. Therefore, his immune system will more easily tolerate his new implant.
3) Finally, patients who are allergic to nickel, the most widely used metal in implants today, cannot currently receive total knee replacements. However, the ceramic implant can be safely implanted in patients with a nickel allergy, as it uses a nickel-free zirconium alloy. Implants made from Oxinium have been implanted in larger numbers of patients in the UK, Australia and the US with great success.
Who would benefit most from a total knee replacement with Oxinium (zirconium)?
Three types of patients have been identified as the “best” candidates for total knee replacement with Oxinium.
“Younger” Patients: Because Oxinium knee implants offer significantly less wear compared to cobalt chrome implants, they are expected to last much longer. In the past, orthopedic surgeons have advised patients under the age of 65 to wait to undergo knee replacement surgery because the lifespan of cobalt chrome knee implants is only 10 to 15 years. Surgeons now have a viable option for a younger patient who would not previously be a candidate for a total knee replacement because Oxinium knee implants should last much longer. Therefore, a patient under the age of 65 who has advanced knee arthritis no longer has to suffer for years until she reaches a suitable age for total knee replacement surgery.
“Active” Patients: Patients who want to return to an active lifestyle, including sports, dancing, gardening, or other strenuous activities, may also benefit from an Oxinium knee replacement. As a result of their high level of activity, this patient population will put more “wear and tear” on their knee replacement, which can cause the implants to wear out more quickly. An Oxinium knee is better able to tolerate this high level of activity and lasts longer than the traditional cobalt chrome knee. Patients with metal allergies: Because Oxinium is one of the most biocompatible materials known to man, it is the only option for patients with metal allergies. Patients who required total knee replacement surgery, but were unable to tolerate cobalt chromium implants due to their nickel content, can now have the surgery they need to return to an active lifestyle without fear of a reaction allergic.
The first patient will be a middle-aged housewife with osteoarthritis. While normal knee replacements cost around Rs 80,000, this new replacement may cost around 1.25 lakhs but is comparable to the best in class. The increased cost will be offset by increased implant survival. A total knee package is available to Indians and foreigners with normal and full length prostheses at affordable costs.