How long do you want your hip implant to last?

Just like the surfaces of your natural hip joint, friction created when the surfaces of a hip implant rub together can cause these surfaces to wear down over time. This type of implant wear is a leading cause of hip replacement failure.

Conventional wisdom indicates that most hip implants should be expected to last 10 to 15 years before implant wear becomes an issue.1 At Smith & Nephew, we've always thought we could do better. And since today's more active hip patients are having surgery at a younger age and living longer, we knew we had to do better.

That's why we've brought together the remarkable combination of two advanced, low-friction materials that are designed to address implant wear on both surfaces of the implant: our award-winning OXINIUM◊ Oxidized Zirconium, a ceramicised metal alloy for the ball, and a highly "cross-linked" plastic for the socket. In fact, laboratory testing has shown that this combination (formerly known as VERILAST Technology) is capable of reducing hip implant wear by 67% when compared to traditional materials (cobalt chrome implants and highly cross-linked plastic) - even after 45 million cycles of laboratory wear simulation testing.2

So while we cannot say we've eliminated implant failure due to wear, we believe our 20 years of dedicated research is paying off for patients who want to rediscover their active lives.

Important testing note

The results of laboratory wear simulation testing have not been proven to predict actual joint durability and performance in people. A reduction in wear alone may not result in improved joint durability and performance because other factors, such as bone structure, can affect joint durability and performance and cause medical conditions that may result in the need for additional surgery. These other factors were not studied as part of the testing.

Important safety notes

Hip replacement surgery is intended to relieve hip pain and improve hip function. However, implants may not produce the same feel or function as your original hip. There are potential risks with hip replacement surgery such as loosening, fracture, dislocation, wear and infection that may result in the need for additional surgery. Longevity of implants depends on many factors, such as types of activities and weight. Do not perform high impact activities such as running and jumping unless your surgeon tells you the bone has healed and these activities are acceptable. Early device failure, breakage or loosening may occur if you do not follow your surgeon's limitations on activity level. Early failure can happen if you do not guard your hip joint from overloading due to activity level, failure to control body weight, or accidents such as falls. Talk to your doctor to determine what treatment may be best for you.

References

  1. Elena Losina, Ph.D., co-director, Orthopaedic and Arthritis Center for Outcomes Research, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston; William J. Robb III, M.D., chairman, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, NorthShore University Health System, Evanston, Ill; Feb. 10, 2012, presentation, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, annual meeting, San Francisco.
  2. A. Parikh, P. Hill, V. Pawar and J. Sprague, "Long-term simulator wear performance of an advanced bearing technology for THA," Orthop Res Soc, San Antonio, TX, Jan 26-29, 2013, 1028.
  3. ASTM F2384.19404-1 and ASTM F75.17485-1

All information provided on this website is for information purposes only. Every patient's case is unique and each patient should follow his or her doctor's specific instructions. Please discuss nutrition, medication and treatment options with your doctor to make sure you are getting the proper care for your particular situation. If you are seeking this information in an emergency situation, please call 911 and seek emergency help.

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