Medical device maker Smith & Nephew (S&N) (LON:SN.) is removing smaller-size parts used in replacement hip joints from the market after they failed to meet regulatory standards.
S&N said it was voluntarily withdrawing 46mm diameter and smaller femoral head and cup components for the Birmingham Hip Resurfacing (BHR) System following performance data.
It said the rate at which such parts, which had been fitted in some men and all women patients, had needed to be replaced had breached levels set by the UK National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).
"Based on this information, S&N considers these patient groups may be at a greater risk of revision surgery than previously believed, and is therefore removing small sizes," the group said in a statement.
However, S&N said hip replacement joints containing the parts would only need to be removed if patients were experiencing problems, in which case they should contact their surgeon.
S&N's chief medical officer Andy Weymann said: "Patient welfare is S&N's top priority. Based on our analysis of our most recent data, we are taking the necessary steps to ensure the BHR is only used in those patient groups where it has demonstrated strong performance. These represent the vast majority of current patients."