Penningtons Manches Cooper advises patients on negligence claims linked to M6-C artificial cervical disc implants

Penningtons Manches Cooper is currently investigating potential legal claims on behalf of a group of individuals who have received an M6-C implant and may have experienced complications or have been affected by the recall of the device earlier this year. Concerns may include device failure, premature wear, inflammation, pain, or the need for revision surgery.

National recall and safety issues

Significant numbers of patients across the UK have been recalled for urgent X-rays to assess the integrity of the M6-C implant and have been alerted to the dangers of osteolysis, or bone loss, following the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) safety advice issued in January this year. Thousands of people are believed to have had the implant inserted into their necks.

The MHRA advice comes six years after the manufacturer Orthofix updated the Instructions for Use (IFU) in Australia revealing that the implant, which is an alternative to spinal fusion surgery, could be harmful and recommended annual follow up. Orthofix removed the implant from worldwide sale in February 2025, but the MHRA issued the safety advice in January 2026 and patients are only now being informed, over a year later. Penningtons Manches Cooper’s medical negligence team is advising patients on whether a legal claim is possible against the manufacturer or healthcare provider.

M6-C implant patient case study

Among the claimants who are being supported by the firm is mother of two Sophia Harrison from East Sussex. After having the implant inserted in 2019, Sophia unknowingly developed a large neck infection allegedly associated with the disc implant and recently had the 10cm abscess aspirated for testing. She is now facing complex multidisciplinary surgeries to remove the disc and infection in her bones, oesophagus and trachea followed by a fusion, and potentially may have metal rods and plates inserted in her spine.

Sophia went to see her surgeon at the Nuffield Health Brighton Hospital in 2021 when she noticed pins and needles in her hands had started to return. The surgeon gave her an epidural injection and said there would be nothing further they could do. At around the same time, she began to feel a lump in her throat impacting her voice and swallowing.

Sophia explained: “The lump in my throat grew gradually but I just accepted it not realising the two were connected. When I received the letter from the Nuffield with the MHRA notice I went for a CT scan specifically checking for osteolysis. However, an abnormal large mass showed up requiring a further MRI scan. I can feel the lump growing again despite being drained and I’ve now been told they may have to take out two further discs along with the implant and insert a metal rod.

“I’m speaking out as I want to raise awareness and tell people who have this implant to have a scan as soon as they can so that they can avoid what is happening to me. You may not even be aware you have an associated infection or other symptoms.”

Clinical implications and advice

Lyndsey Skibinski, senior associate in the medical negligence team at Penningtons Manches Cooper, who is advising Sophia and leading the investigation into a growing number of other implant patients, said: “This is a potentially huge public health issue with thousands of patients affected. Most of the people approaching us have had the implant in place for between eight and nine years but it is crucial that anyone who has this implant gets a scan to identify any problems and continues with recommended annual monitoring.

“Many will need complex surgery to remove the implants which poses the risk of paralysis or long-term chronic pain. We are currently investigating the legal options open to those we are advising to see how we can secure justice for the trauma and suffering they are experiencing, and also to recover funding for future treatment and rehabilitation.”