Smith & Nephew first launched OXINIUM Oxidized Zirconium more than ten years ago. Many of our knee and hip implant systems, may be made using this proprietary metal alloy. It is a fantastic option for hip and knee implants due to its hardness, smoothness and scratch resistance.
Due to its lower friction and enhanced resistance to scratching and abrasion, OXINIUM material—a metal alloy with the surface changed to ceramic using a proprietary process—has established itself as a better metal for use in hip and knee implants. Compared to cobalt-chrome alloy, these enhanced qualities result in much reduced wear (historically the material of choice in hip and knee implants).
