Abstract
Polyethylene wear is a key contributor to long-term failure in total knee arthroplasty. Oxidized zirconium alloy was created as a bearing surface for total joint arthroplasty in an attempt to address this concern. Oxidized zirconium has shown considerable improvements over existing materials in several key areas related to component longevity, including resistance to roughening, wear reduction, frictional behavior and biocompatibility. This review aims to summarize the current use of oxidized zirconium alloy in knee arthroplasty, as well as the possible advantages and downsides of this material.
Financial & competing interests disclosure
S Haas receives royalties from and is a consultant to Smith & Nephew. T Heyse and T Efe are consultants to Smith & Nephew. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.
No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.