Comparing the Science of Wear in Knee Articulating Surfaces
Do you have all the facts?
- Smith & Nephew (S&N) claims that testing in simulated abrasive conditions demonstrated a 90% reduction in polyethylene wear with Oxinium compared to cobalt-chromium alloy (CoCr). Read the Science Fact
- S&N claims that another test “in clean conditions” demonstrated an 85% reduction in polyethylene wear with Oxinium compared to CoCr “even though abrasive wear was not intentionally created.” Read the Science Fact
- In claiming that Oxinium significantly reduces volumetric wear compared to CoCr, S&N implies that volumetric wear is the most important wear-related factor for knee implants. Read the Science Fact
- S&N claims that Oxinium “does not contain nickel,” and “is the best choice in knee replacement materials for patients who exhibit metal allergies.” S&N also claims that 3%-8% of the population has metal sensitivity to the nickel found in orthopaedic implants. Read the Science Fact
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