A new knee implant that promises longevity and functional movements just like a normal knee is now the trend. The JOURNEY Knee in Oxinium was introduced in India by Dr. A.K.Venkatachalam, consultant orthopedic surgeon in Chennai recently. The first patient to receive bilateral Oxinium Journey replacements was a 38 year old lady suffering from crippling Rheumatoid arthritis.
The innovative JOURNEY anatomical knee system is designed to move and feel like a normal knee, and addresses problems still found in conventional systems such as instability and limited flexion. The JOURNEY System offers the additional durability of Smith & Nephew's proprietary alternate-bearing surface, OXINIUM* oxidized zirconium.

The system is described as "bi-cruciate stabilized" because unlike conventional knee systems, this implant design replicates the functions of both the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL). These ligaments provide stability and support for the knee, but are frequently removed during knee replacement surgery.

The surgical technique is similar to other knee procedures but is much more exacting and the JOURNEY system's newly designed instruments allow for both minimally invasive surgery (MIS) and computer assisted surgery (CAS). Dr.Venkatachalam received special training for this abroad.

This knee was developed after Smith & Nephew conducted in-depth analyses of natural knee kinematics and the inherent limitations in knee replacement systems. The JOURNEY knee system offers more sizing options for better fit and minimal bone resections. Smaller sizing choices that are more amenable to female anatomy make the JOURNEY system the obvious choice to achieve the best fit for all patients. Surgeons believe the JOURNEY knee will offer patients a more natural feeling knee implant and greater satisfaction.

"The JOURNEY Knee System is well suited for high demand, or young & active patients. One finds that many patients seeking a knee replacement are in their forties and fifties. This knee implant is highly recommended for this group of patients. Also more elderly patients in need of a knee replacement will also experience a near normal feeling with this knee in activities like coming downstairs. They will not feel the slight instability which is common with other knee systems.
Journey knee is the only knee replacement on the market that offers patients more natural movement and function, and provides surgeons with an answer to the challenges of current total knee systems." says Dr.A.K.Venkatachalam.

About OXINIUM* Oxidized Zirconium

OXINIUM material is a unique and advanced bearing product technology created through a proprietary manufacturing process that transforms the surface to a ceramic, resulting in a material that incorporates the best features of ceramic and metal while avoiding the limitations associated with either material. OXINIUM material is a revolutionary technology used in the production of components of knee and hip implants that exhibits superior performance characteristics due to its hardness, low-friction and resistance to roughening and abrasion.

The author Dr.Venkatachalam is a consultant Orthopedic surgeon in India and has introduced the Journey knee in India.
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