The Ministry of Health says a recall of a metal hip implant will affect up to 139 New Zealand patients.
British manufacturer Smith & Nephew says the R3 implant's metal liner is not performing well and patients risk having localised tissue damage.
It is the third recall of a metal hip implant in two years, bringing to 705 the total number of metal-on-metal implants recalled in New Zealand since 2010.
Previous recalls include 525 of the ASR brand and 41 of the Mitch implant.
Medsafe says surgeons will be contacting affected patients But says the recall is not a reason to have the affected hip replaced.
