Fletchers Solicitors investigate legal claims resulting from recall of Profemur Cobalt Chrome Modular Neck Hip Replacements after Safety Concerns

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has issued a safety alert concerning Profemur cobalt chrome (CoCr) modular neck hip replacements, following evidence of higher than expected risks of wear, corrosion, device fracture and the need for revision surgery.

The decision comes after an MHRA review, supported by the British Orthopaedic Association (BOA) and the British Hip Society (BHS), which found that while the majority of patients implanted with these devices experience good outcomes, a small but significant number have developed serious complications. These include soft tissue reactions and metal-related effects, which in some cases have led to cobalt poisoning and repeat operations.

What does this mean for patients?

The affected hip replacements were used in the UK between 2009 and January 2025, with around 2,000 patients currently implanted with the devices.

Hospitals across the UK have been instructed to:

• Identify and contact affected patients through local and national records, including the National Joint Registry.
• Prioritise reviews for those at highest risk, particularly patients with product code PHAC1254 or cobalt chrome neck components combined with Profemur or Ancafit stems.
• Offer clinical reviews either virtually or in person, including blood tests for cobalt and chromium, imaging scans such as MRI or ultrasound, and ongoing monitoring where required.
• Consider revision surgery if blood metal levels are abnormally high, imaging shows concerns, or patients report worsening hip function.

Patients are advised that they do not need to contact their hospital directly – affected individuals will be contacted for review. However, anyone experiencing pain, loss of mobility, swelling or other new symptoms should seek medical advice urgently.

Concerns over cobalt exposure

The recall follows a Telegraph investigation which highlighted cases of patients suffering cobalt poisoning linked to these implants. In some instances, patients reported devastating consequences, including chronic pain, memory loss, heart concerns and the need for complex revision surgeries.

Data from the MHRA shows:

• Around 9 in 100 patients with these implants have already required revision surgery – compared with a standard rate of around 5 in 100.
• Rates of metal wear and corrosion-related issues were reported in 6 in 1,000 cases, compared to just 1 in 10,000 for fixed neck alternatives.
• Patients in the highest risk groups face a 4% risk of fracture, far higher than average.

Expert legal view

Lisa Lunt, Partner at Fletchers Solicitors and specialist in defective medical product claims, commented:

“Sadly, this is not the first time we have seen issues with metal-on-metal hip replacements. Notably DePuy, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, recalled its metal-on-metal hip replacement system, the ASR, in 2010 due to high failure rates caused by metal debris from wear and tear.

It is deeply concerning that, 15 years later, we are seeing similar issues with these devices. Having dealt with cases like this before, we know the devastating effect it can have on people’s health and quality of life.

We would encourage anyone affected to seek legal advice as soon as possible. The earlier people come forward, the better chance we have of assessing their situation and starting the legal process to help them secure the support and compensation they deserve.”

How Fletchers can help

Fletchers Solicitors has a long history of supporting patients affected by defective medical devices, including hip replacement recalls. We understand the challenges these cases present and the life-changing impact on patients and their families.

If you or a loved one has been affected by the Profemur cobalt chrome modular neck hip replacement recall, our specialist medical negligence and defective product lawyers are here to help. Call us today for free, confidential advice about your situation and your legal options.