A review by the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) reported on 26 August 2026 identified increased risks of wear and corrosion associated with certain cobalt-chrome modular neck hip replacements. The agency advised NHS trusts and hospitals, as a precautionary measure, to identify patients with these devices and invite them for a clinical review to discuss potential risks and whether ongoing monitoring is needed based on symptoms or clinical findings.

The advice covers constructs using cobalt-chrome dual taper modular neck components made by Aesculap AG (Metha modular), LimaCorporate (H-Max-M), Smith and Nephew (SMF), Stryker (ABG II modular) and Symbios (HARMONY modular and SPS modular). The devices were available in the UK between 2007 and 2019 and are no longer available there; available data suggests around 750 patients currently have them implanted. The MHRA said most patients have well-functioning hips and are unlikely to develop serious problems, though a small number may develop tissue problems that could require revision surgery.

The review followed a 2025 MHRA review of Profemur cobalt-chrome modular neck hip replacements. It found revision rates linked to metal wear varied between implant systems and did not find a higher-than-expected rate of device fracture in the systems covered. The MHRA said the communication does not apply to fixed-neck hip stem products. Chief Safety Officer Dr Alison Cave said affected patients should expect contact from their surgeon or implanting hospital and need not contact them directly; anyone with new or unexpected symptoms such as pain, stiffness or instability should speak to their surgeon or hospital and report it through the Yellow Card scheme, or the Incident Reporting & Investigation Centre in Scotland.