Impact of NHS bone cement supply issue

Update – Significant stock of a bone cement (Zimmer Biomet Cement) will arrive at NHS Supply Chain locations from today (25 February). If your surgery was postponed, it will now be rescheduled as soon as possible.

The NHS is being affected by a global supply issue with bone cement used in joint surgery.

The main supplier of bone cement to the health service – Heraeus Medical – has had to temporarily stop production at its main site, affecting supply for up to two months.

The cement is used mostly in knee replacements, but also in some hip and shoulder replacements.

All NHS hospitals have been asked to prioritise trauma and urgent care for people who have suffered broken joints until supplies return to normal.

While we will make every effort to minimise the impact, this may result in some planned joint replacements being postponed so we have enough cement available for emergencies.

Any patients whose surgery is delayed will be rescheduled as soon as possible.

If you have a date for surgery scheduled, please assume it is going ahead unless you hear from the hospital directly.

Waiting lists will be reviewed based on patients’ needs over the coming weeks.