Update: National supply issue affecting bone cement used in joint replacement surgery
We are aware of the national supply challenges affecting the availability of certain types of medical bone cement used in orthopaedic procedures.
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This follows a temporary production halt at one of the main global suppliers due to a packaging fault. Although production has now restarted, availability is expected to remain limited for some time. This is a global issue affecting NHS organisations across the country.
We understand that this news may be concerning for patients waiting for joint replacement surgery. Patient safety remains our priority and we are working closely with national partners to manage stock carefully and reduce the impact on our patients as far as possible.
Planned joint replacement surgery
Some planned hip, knee and shoulder replacement procedures may need to be temporarily postponed. Surgical teams are reviewing cases individually, and in some circumstances clinically appropriate alternatives that do not require bone cement may be considered.
How we are prioritising care
Due to limited supply, bone cement is being preserved for patients with the most urgent clinical need. This includes:
- Hip fracture (trauma) operations, such as patients admitted with a broken hip following a fall
- Urgent cancer-related orthopaedic surgery
- Revision surgery, where an existing joint replacement needs to be corrected or replaced
- Treatment of infected joints
This approach ensures we can continue to provide time-critical and emergency care safely.
What this means for patients
- If your surgery is affected, we will contact you directly.
- If you have not heard from us, please attend your appointment or operation as planned.
- There is no need to contact us unless you have been asked to do so.
- All other planned operations and outpatient activity are not affected.
If your operation has been cancelled, please be reassured that you will not lose your place on the waiting list. We will contact you as soon as normal service resumes to arrange a new date.
We recognise that delays can cause anxiety and discomfort. If your symptoms worsen or your pain becomes more difficult to manage while you are waiting, please contact your GP or usual clinical team for advice.
This is a fast-moving situation that we continue to monitor closely. We will keep patients and the public updated as further information becomes available.
We apologise for the uncertainty this may cause and thank you for your patience and understanding.