National shortage of bone cement affecting orthopaedic surgery

Posted on:

Due to an ongoing global supply disruption of bone cement, like all hospitals we are having to postpone some orthopaedic operations.

Bone cement is essential because it helps secure the new joint to the bone. This product is often used in hip and knee replacements including emergency surgery. It is not always possible to use an alternative cement and therefore our current stock is being prioritised for emergency cases.

Our clinical team is reviewing all affected procedures and will contact patients directly if we need to rearrange a planned operation date.

We are working closely with regional and national teams and will return to our normal service as soon as supplies improve.

Please continue to come forward for any other appointments you may have.

Frequently asked questions

Heraeus Medical, a manufacturer of bone cement used in medical procedures such as emergency surgery and routine hip and knee replacements experienced a fault at their factory.

As a result, there will be an ongoing global supply disruption for the next few weeks.
For some procedures, alternative products are available from other suppliers but they will not be able to produce enough stock to cover everything Heraeus Medical would usually provide.
Due to the global supply disruption, NHS England, The Department of Health and Social Care and the National Orthopaedic Society have asked NHS Trusts to prioritise providing procedures to patients with the most urgent clinical need to ensure there is enough supply.

This may mean that some patients with less clinically urgent needs have their care postponed, but medical teams will do their best to keep disruption to a minimum.
It is important that you continue to attend all your appointments as normal unless told otherwise by your provider.

The NHS remains open and you should also continue to use the NHS as normal for any other care you need.
Your care provider will contact you directly if your appointment is postponed. If you do not hear from them, please attend all your scheduled appointments as normal.

The NHS remains open and you should also continue to use the NHS as normal for any care you need.
Yes. This is a global supply disruption and is impacting other organisations, not just the NHS.
If you have any concerns or questions about what this means for you or your care, you should contact your care provider. They will be able to advise you.

Text Size

Highlight links

Change font

Contrast