March 18th, 2004

Christie Clinic is offering patients the latest in technology for hip and knee replacements.

Every year, approximately 250,000 Americans have a total knee replacement operation. Most patients are over 65 years old because the traditional cobalt chrome implants are expected to last 10 to 15 years.

"With our new technology we can offer knee implants to our younger or more active patients," said Dr. Robert Schaefer, Christie Clinic Orthopedic Surgeon.

Christie Clinic is the first in Champaign-Urbana to offer this latest hip and knee implant technology. These Oxinium™ implants are made out of oxidized zirconium. Oxinium™ implants are 4,900 times more abrasion-resistant than cobalt chrome and reduce implant wear by nearly 50%.

"This material is extremely biocompatible, lighter weight and doesn't react to things in your body like other metals. This is really important for people allergic to nickel," said Schaefer.

For more information about Christie Clinic's new hip and knee replacements or to speak with Dr. Schaefer or one of the first area patients to receive an Oxinium™ hip or knee implant please call 217-366-5218. Christie Clinic has provided health care to the residents of Central Illinois for over 75 years. It is the oldest multi-specialty medical group practice in the state of Illinois. Christie Clinic has clinics on University Avenue, Windsor Road, a facility in Provena Covenant in Urbana, and satellite clinics in Mahomet and Rantoul.

Tags: department of orthopaedics, dr. robert schaefer, knee replacements, hip replacements, oxinium™