Thousands in UK may need surgery after spinal disc linked to bone loss
Spinal implant recall prompts urgent medical evaluations
Thousands of people in the UK might be facing complicated procedures to remove a spinal implant associated with bone loss.
The global sale of the M6-C artificial disc implant was halted, and patients with it have been urged to undergo immediate x-rays.
Sophia Harrison, 52, from East Grinstead, East Sussex, had the implant in 2019 and later developed an infection that requires intensive spine surgery.
The implant was meant to replace damaged neck discs as an alternative to spinal fusion surgery.
However, the M6-C disc has faced scrutiny due to links with osteolysis, a condition where bone tissue is absorbed by the body.
Device manufacturer Orthofix announced it would discontinue the M6-C disc in February 2025.
A law firm, Penningtons Manches Cooper, reported they have been contacted by over 10 individuals about the implant issue, with concerns that thousands more might be impacted.
Patient's Experience
Sophia Harrison noticed symptoms like pins and needles in her hands and a throat lump in 2021.
A CT scan revealed her issues were connected to osteolysis and a 10cm abscess.
She said, “My doctor said he nearly fell off his chair looking at the results as the infection continued to grow despite being drained.”
Sophia believes the complications could have been prevented with earlier awareness and action. “You may not even be aware you have an associated infection or other symptoms,” she urged.
Regulatory Actions
Australian authorities alerted issues concerning the M6-C disc in 2020, but UK patients weren't updated until 2025.
The MHRA highlighted the risks at that time and recommended regular monitoring for recipients of the implant.
Sophia expressed anger about the delay in communicating defects, saying, “If I had known earlier, the infection would have been caught.”
Legal and Health Implications
According to Lyndsey Skibinski, a medical negligence solicitor, “This is a potentially huge public health issue with thousands of patients affected.”
Many people might need surgery to remove the implants, facing risks like paralysis or chronic pain.
The MHRA’s deputy director of benefit risk evaluation, Dr Stephanie Millican, acknowledged concerns raised in early 2025, affirming patient safety remains paramount.
Healthcare professionals are advised to inform patients of potential risks and ensure follow-up care for those with the M6-C disc.
Individuals with the implant should anticipate communication from their healthcare providers and report any adverse effects through the MHRA’s Yellow Card scheme.